Mental Health Literacy And Internalized Stigma In Parents Of Children With Mental Disorders

Authors : Hilal Timurkaan, Funda Gümüş, Masum Öztürk

Pages : 109-121

View : 80 | Download : 137

Publication Date : 2025-12-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :It is known that individuals with mental disorders are stigmatized more in society than those with other illnesses. Parents can internalize the stigma created by society due to mental disorders. In this case, mental health literacy supports the individual by providing sufficient knowledge to recognize mental disorders, seek psychological support, and combat stigmatization. In light of this information, the aim of this study is to assess the mental health literacy levels of parents of children diagnosed with mental disorders and to examine the relationship between parents\\\' mental health literacy and internalized stigma. This study was conducted with 213 parents of children with mental disorders in a cross sectional descriptive and exploratory design. The mean age of the parents was 41.00 (SD= 7.77), and 59.6% of the parents were mothers. It was determined that 38.5% of the children had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), 26.3% had been hospitalized, and 8.5% had engaged in self-harming behavior and attempted suicide. This study found no significant relationship between mental health literacy and internalized stigma among parents. However, parents receiving psychological support were found to have higher levels of mental health literacy. Further studies with larger samples are recommended to examine the mental health literacy levels and internalized stigma of parents of children with mental disorders.
Keywords : Internalized stigma, mental health literacy, nursing

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL