Transdiagnostic Intervention to Reduce Internalized Health-Related Stigma
University of Florida
Summary
Stigma due to health conditions increases disease burden and adversely impacts health. The internalization of health-related stigma is associated with impaired mental health and quality of life. The current project will test the effects of a novel, transdiagnostic, group counseling intervention, and peer support, to determine the optimal method for helping patients cope with health-related stigma, reducing its internalization, and enhancing patient quality of life.
Description
This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will test in a sample of 195 patients with high levels of internalized health-related stigma the effects of a novel transdiagnostic intervention designed to help patients cope with this stigma and to reduce its internalization. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three intervention conditions: (1) a group-based counseling intervention designed to target internalized health-related stigma, delivered virtually (i.e., via telehealth); (2) a general peer support group conducted via telehealth without a targeted stigma intervention; or (3) a waitl…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * At least one of the following stigmatized health conditions: * Obesity (or high body weight that negatively affects health) * Skin disease (including but not limited to psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo) * Cancer (including but not limited to lung, breast, cervical, colorectal, gynecologic, prostate, or head and neck; including individuals in remission) * HIV * Type 1 or type 2 diabetes * Chronic pain * Reported internalization of health-related stigma, as determined by a pre-specified cutoff score on internalized stigma measure and confirmed by inte…
Interventions
- BehavioralHealing HEARTS
Session topics will include: psychoeducation; myths and stereotypes; cognitive distortions and restructuring; coping strategies; interpersonal effectiveness; self-efficacy; mindfulness and self-compassion; acceptance and positive self-image; disclosure and finding support; stigma in health care; and empowerment and advocacy.
- BehavioralPeer Support
Peer support groups will cover general topics such as symptom management, stress, and social support. Stigma will not be a formal topic of discussion, and group leaders will be trained to avoid initiating conversations about stigma; however, to capture realistic discussions in peer support groups, participants will not be prohibited from discussing the topic should they bring it up.
Location
- University of FloridaGainesville, Florida