Socio-demographic correlates of internalized stigma and empowerment in a sample of people with physical disabilities

Abstract

Advances in understanding internalized stigma and empowerment in people with physical disabilities as well as factors which could enhance developing stigma resistance is vital for their better quality of life and psychological well-being. The aim of the cross-sectional study was to explore socio-demographic correlates of internalized stigma and empowerment in a sample of people with physical disabilities. The sample consisted of 119 persons with different kind of physical disabilities, of different age {18-70), of various levels of education, employment, marital and living status. Self-stigma was assessed using Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale. Subjective feelings of empowerment were assessed using the Boston University Empowerment Scale. As for socio-demographic variables, significant differences were found regarding the age, level of education, employment, residential and marital status. Stigma is more internalized by unmarried participants, younger, participants living in extended families, not living in their own apartments, with lower level of education and unemployed. Gender differences were not found. Lower level of empowerment is established in participants with lower level of education, unemployed, those who were younger, not living in their own apartment. Demographic variables appeared to have considerable importance for the processes of internalizing stigma in the population of people with physical disabilities. The results of the study suggest designing an anti- stigma campaign with respect to socio-demographic correlates, which could empower and provide better quality of life for people with disability in Serbia.