What is it about?
This study asked whether self-stigma gets in the way of emerging adults with serious mental illness becoming financially independent, and whether being financially independent then shapes their self-esteem and motivation to pursue life goals. The twist: young adults with more self-stigma were actually more financially independent, but that independence was associated with good and bad outcomes; they experienced higher self-esteem, yet perceived pursuing life goals wasn't worth it.
Featured Image
Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash
Why is it important?
We tend to think that if a person is succeeding in socially valued areas, like financial independence, they are doing well. This study found that doing well and experiencing self-stigma were both possible at the same time. So, supporting emerging adults with serious mental illness to reduce self-stigma, even those who appear to be doing well, is important.
Perspectives
Contrary to what we thought, higher levels of independence were found in those with higher self-stigma (the internalization of negative stereotypes about people with mental illness).
Limor Luss Smith
University of Houston
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Self-stigma in emerging adults with serious mental illness: Financial independence, self-esteem, and the “why try” effect., Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, May 2026, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/prj0000687.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
