Effects of Self-Assertive Training Applying Reality Therapy Techniques on Self-esteem and Internalized Stigma in Schizophrenia Patients

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of self-assertive training applying the reality therapy techniques (SATART) on self-esteem and internalized stigma of schizophrenia patients. Methods: This study was a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design and enrolled 55 people with schizophrenia (experimental group=27, control group=28) from two community mental health centers. The SATART was offered twice a week for 6 weeks in a total 12 sessions. Data were collected from February to April, 2017, using the Korean version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The collected data was analyzed using x² test, independent t-test, one-way ANCOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA with using the SPSS/WIN 22.0 program. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in self-esteem and recudction of internalized stigma compared to the control group. However, there was no significant improvement on stigma resistance measurement among the subscales of internalized stigma between two groups. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the SATART program is effective and could be recommended as a psychosocial intervention for self-esteem enhancement and internalized stigma reduction of people with schizophrenia.