While the relationships between self-stigma, self-esteem, and quality of life have been extensively discussed in populations with mental disorders, there is currently a lack of a meta-analysis to confirm their reliable associations.
Aim:
This study explores the connections between self-stigma, self-esteem, and quality of life in individuals with mental disorders.
Method:
A systematic search across three databases identified 82 relevant studies. Meta-analytic structural equation modeling was performed on the included data using R software, and the quality of the included studies was assessed.
Result:
The results of the path analysis indicated a negative correlation between self-stigma and self-esteem (β = −.493, 95% CI [−0.541, −0.447]), as well as a negative correlation between self-stigma and quality of life (β = −.251, 95% CI [−0.327, −0.173]). A positive correlation was found between self-esteem and quality of life (β = .384, 95% CI [0.303, 0.465]). Among patients with mental disorders, self-esteem played a mediating role in the relationship between self-stigma and quality of life (β = −.189, 95% CI [−0.235, −0.148]). Subgroup analysis of national income levels reveals a significant moderating effect.
Conclusion:
Self-esteem mediates the relationship between self-stigma and quality of life among individuals with mental disorders. Future interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with mental disorders should consider the impacts of self-stigma and self-esteem.
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