Navigating Stigma: Voices of Individuals with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Using interviews of six people diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, the study identifies how stigmatization is perceived at different levels by the respondents. Five themes are presented, focusing on public stigmatization, stigma within the healthcare system, in professional life, in close relationships, and self-stigmatization. Examples of participants’ views are offered in order to understand their perspectives better and to plead for more education for the public and greater tolerance.