Mindfulness Model of Stigma Resistance Among Individuals with Psychiatric Disorders

Research shows that mindfulness may help individuals with psychiatric disorders resist stigma and improve their well-being. Less is known, however, about the underlying processes. The present study examined whether mindfulness was associated with stigma resistance and, in turn, life satisfaction among individuals with psychiatric disorders, as well as the potential mechanism underlying these associations. Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected from 311 individuals with psychiatric disorders residing in Hong Kong, China. Structural equation modeling showed that mindfulness was positively associated with stigma resistance, and this association was mediated by self-compassion and psychological flexibility. Moreover, stigma resistance was positively associated with life satisfaction, and this association was mediated by self-stigma content and self-stigma process. Findings contributed to the literature by revealing the potential pathways through which mindfulness may help individuals with psychiatric disorders build resilience against stigma and improve their subjective quality of life.