PURPOSE: This study was conducted to explore the
mediating effect of
self -
efficacy in the relationship between internalized stigma and
treatment adherence among
community dwelling patient with
mental illness .
METHODS: A
cross-sectional study design was employed. Participants were 145 people with
mental illness who were enrolled at one of 11
community mental health institutions in Busan,
South Korea . Internalized stigma of
mental illness ,
self -
efficacy, treatment adherence, and socio-
demographic data were examined. Data were collected using self-report
questionnaires and analyzed using Baron and Kenny
method .
RESULTS: Internalized stigma had a significant negative correlation with
self -
efficacy and
treatment adherence .
Self -
efficacy had a significant positive correlation with
treatment adherence . In addition,
self -
efficacy had a full
mediating effect in the relationship between internalized stigma and
treatment adherence .
CONCLUSION: The results suggest that
self -
efficacy plays an important
role in promoting
treatment adherence among
patients with
mental illness who have high levels of internalized stigma. Therefore,
mental health professionals should focus on reducing internalized stigma and also enhancing
self -
efficacy to increase
treatment adherence for
persons with
mental illness living in the
community .