Double Stigma
Keywords:
Self-stigma, NECT, Severe mental illness, LGBTQ, RecoveryAbstract
Narrative enhancement and cognitive therapy (NECT) is a group-based intervention
aimed at decreasing self-stigma and promoting recovery among people with severe mental illness (SMI). Tis study describes a pioneer effort to implement NECT with LGBTQ
individuals who are also labeled with SMI and thus subject to “double stigma.” Qualitative
analysis of 40 detailed writen summaries of all sessions of two NECT groups of LGBTQ
individuals with SMI explored how they perceive the double self-stigma they experience.
Te study revealed four main themes: (1) being subject to stigma and double stigma, (2)
the perceived connection between sexual identity and mental illness, (3) unique challenges related to disclosure, and (4) from within the group to outside it. Results of this effort
to implement NECT with LGBTQ individuals also labeled with an SMI may help raise
awareness of some of the specifc and unique implications of the double stigma LGBTQ
individuals with SMI experience and encourage future development of knowledge and
more tailored interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of double stigma.
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