A Study on Internalized Stigma in People Being Treated in a Forensic Psychiatry Hospital: The Example of Türkiye

Abstract

Internalized stigma in forensic psychiatric patients with multiple labels challenges their psychosocial well-being, treatment compliance, and recidivism risk. The research sample consisted of 164 individuals receiving treatment in a High Security Forensic Psychiatry Hospital in Türkiye. The study aims to (a) determine the participants’ socio-demographic and justice system involvement characteristics, (b) determine whether the means of various variables differ in internalized stigma scores, and (c) determine whether various variables affect internalized stigma. The study utilized a cross-sectional design with face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed using parametric tests and multiple linear regression. The results indicated that educational status, employment status, economic status, disease diagnosis, and level of violence affected the internalized stigma experienced by the participants. Lower educational attainment, unemployment, lower economic status, disease diagnosis, and the level of violence were associated with higher internalized stigma. Individuals with higher education, stable employment, and greater financial resources reported lower internalized stigma. The findings highlight the importance of tailored psychosocial interventions, such as economic empowerment and anti-stigma psychoeducation, particularly for individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness and those with involvement in the criminal justice system. These interventions can enhance treatment engagement and support rehabilitation in forensic psychiatric contexts.