Societal Attitudes, Perceived Stigma and Psychological Distress among the Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between societal attitudes, perceived stigma, and psychological distress among caregivers of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia in Pakistan. Drawing upon previous literature and theoretical frameworks, the research highlights the psychosocial distress faced by caregivers, a group often overlooked in mental health care. While the stigma surrounding schizophrenia is widely acknowledged to affect patients, this study emphasizes its equally profound impact on their caregivers. The study was designed with the following objectives: to assess the degree of perceived stigma and negative societal attitudes experienced by caregivers; to examine the role of gender in shaping psychological distress; and to determine whether perceived stigma significantly predicts psychological distress and negative societal perceptions. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) perceived stigma, psychological distress, and societal attitudes are significantly interrelated; (2) gender differences exist in the experience of psychological distress and stigma.Using a correlational research design, a sample of 200 caregivers (53% male and 47% female), aged 18 to 50 years, was selected through convenient sampling from three major cities: Lahore, Sialkot, and Gujranwala. Data were collected using standardized and culturally adapted tools, including the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) by Kessler et al., (2002), the Family Stress Stigma Scale (FSSS), translated into Urdu by Khawar et al. (2024), and the Community Attitudes Toward Mental Illness (CAMI) Scale by Taylor and Dear (1981). Results analyzed through SPSS revealed that 83% of caregivers experienced high societal problems. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant positive correlation between perceived stigma and psychological distress and societal attitudes in caregivers of schizophrenia. Gender differences were also observed, with male caregivers reporting higher levels of both stigma and distress compared to females. Also, more negative societal attitudes faced by the male caregivers. In conclusion, this study contributes to the limited but growing body of literature on caregiver mental health in Pakistan. It underscores the necessity of addressing societal stigma, enhancing caregiver support systems, and integrating culturally sensitive approaches into mental health services to promote holistic care by prioritizing the well-being of their caregivers.