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Culture / Ethnicity / Race

Ethnic Identity Moderates Relations Between Self-Stigma and Psychological Distress

(PS5-B28) Ethnic Identity Moderates Relations Between Self-stigma and Psychological Distress

Friday, November 17, 2023
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM PST
Location: Regency Ballroom, Level 7

    Author(s)

  • SW

    Sara V. White, B.A.

    Clinical Psychology PhD Student
    University at Albany, State University of New York
    Rotterdam, New York

    • Co-Author(s)

  • TM

    Teresa Mejia, M.A.

    Clinical Psychology Ph.D Student
    University at Albany, State University of New York
    Albany, New York

  • EG

    Elana Gordis, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor, Area Head, Director of Clinical Training
    University at Albany, State University of New York
    Albany, New York



Background: Stigma toward mental illness remains prevalent. In the present study, we discuss self-stigma, which is associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Research shows that self-stigma disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minority groups. Further, current efforts to combat self-stigma lack effectiveness. Therefore, investigating factors that may buffer against self-stigma’s harmful effects is necessary. The present study investigated whether ethnic identity may moderate relations between self-stigma and psychological distress.

Methods: Participants (N=487, Mage=18.8, 31.3% male, 65.9% female, 1.3% non-binary, .7% transgender, 41% White, 32% Black or African American, 23% Hispanic or Latinx, 11% Asian) completed a battery of measures including the Self-Stigma of Seeking Psychological Help Scale (SSOSH), the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM).

Results: Regression analyses revealed a significant two-way interaction between self-stigma and ethnic identity accounting for psychological distress (ΔR2=.099, F(1,483)=4.95, p = .026). Simple slope analysis suggested that the link between self-stigma and psychological distress is weaker at higher levels of ethnic identity.

Discussion: Our results suggest that ethnic identity may be a protective factor against psychological distress in the context of self-stigma. Perhaps in the context of cultural exploration and identity, the relationship that one may have with self-stigmatizing thoughts is significantly different. These findings may provide clinical suggestions for working with persons experiencing mental health self-stigma.