Objective: While lots of projects focus on "stigmatization by others" in people with mental diseases, the problem of "self-stigmatization" is rarely considered in their treatment.Thus, the program "Stigma Management" aims on the conception of a therapeutic manual concerning self-stigmatization. As experts on their own, in phase 1 the patients' experiences and needs are assessed by themselves.
Methods: 17 patients with schizophrenia discussed the topic of self-stigmatization in the setting of focus groups. The discussions were analyzed by the documentary method of Bohnsack 1.
Results: Ten topics could be identified, such as prejudice, self-help groups, openness and public relations.
Conclusion: Concerning these 10 topics the program "Stigma Management" was designed (phase 2) and will be evaluated shortly (phase 3).
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