Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to compare the internalized stigmatization scores of adolescents and their parents who were followed in the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic.

METHODS

This study was consisted by 60 adolescents and 60 parents of children and adolescent who were followed in the child and adolescent psychiatry clinic between January and May 2019. Data were collected by using the information form, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) and Parents Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (PISMI). In the analysis of the data, number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis Test and Cronbach Alpha Coefficient were used in SPSS 25.0 program.

RESULTS

The median age of adolescents and their parents were 14.53±1,79 and 40,9±5,8 respectively. 66.7% of the parents were married, 83.3% were female and 35% were primary school graduates. 55% of adolescents were male and 63.3% were in middle school. 35% of the adolescents were diagnosed as conduct disorder, 28.3% were diagnosed with Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder and 22% were diagnosed with mood disorders. There was no significant difference between ISMI and PISMI total score and subscale scores among adolescents and parents participating in the study (p>0.05). However, there was only statistically significant difference between the alienation subscale scores between the two groups (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The internalized stigmatization scores of the adolescents and their parents were similar. Psychosocial interventions that aimed to decrease internalized stigmatization of adolescents and their parents may be suggested to increase the adherence of children and adolescents to treatment.