Stigma and social support – Similarities and differences in group of women suffering from chronic diseases

Abstract Aim To compare the frequency of experiencing stigma in group of women suffering from schizophrenia and women after breast cancer treatment, as well as to measure correlation between feeling stigmatised and the various aspects of social support in both groups. Method Participants in the study were 30 women with schizophrenia and 33 women after breast cancer treatment. The stigma subscale of the Consumer Experiences of Stigma Questionnaire (CESQ), Berlin Social Support Scales (BSSS) and the author's own General Data Inventory were used to collect data. Results Women with schizophrenia experienced stigma significantly more often than women after breast cancer treatment. They also reported greater need for support and sought support more frequently as well. Moreover, patients who fell ill in older age declared higher level of currently received support and experienced stigma in a lesser degree. Women after breast cancer treatment who experienced higher level of stigma perceived currently received support in a lesser degree and reported higher level of protecting buffering. In addition, the older they got, the more support they needed. Conclusions Stigmatisation of people who suffer from chronic diseases is still a prevailing problem which requires implementation of adequate interventions preventing social exclusion. Further research assessing particular protective factors may contribute to launching effective programmes that would break social stigma and support both patients and their loved ones.