Narrative enhancement and cognitive therapy for perceived stigma of chronic schizophrenia: A multicenter randomized controlled trial study

This study explored the effects of NECT on self-stigma among people with schizophrenia. Eighty-six participants were recruited and assigned to two groups. The NECT group received 20-session group meetings, while the control group received routine care. Self-stigma was measured by Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMIS) and Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC). Generalized estimating equations were employed to explore the intervention's effectiveness. The NECT group showed a significant reduction in ISMIS total scores after 20 sessions and Stopping Self subscale scores of DISC decreased over time. The intervention is effective for improving self-stigma in people with schizophrenia.