The Effect of Psycho-education on the Affiliate Stigma in Family Caregivers of People with Bipolar Disorder

INTRODUCTION: Paying attention to stigma among caregivers to provide proper care for patients is necessary, and promoting awareness (about mental illness and mental health) to taking care of the caregivers’ health, is crucial. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of psycho-education on the affiliate stigma in family caregivers of people with bipolar disorder. METHOD: This study is a quasi-experimental research with an experimental and control groups. 64 family caregivers of people with bipolar disorder participated in this study (32 in each group). Data was collected using the demographic questionnaire and Affiliate Stigma Scale before and after intervention (with 4 weeks gap). The experimental group received a psycho-education program for four weeks. The control group carried on their normal routine lifestyle. RESULTS: The mean scores of the affiliate stigma of both control and experimental groups before the intervention did not show a statistically significant difference (P = .36), however after the intervention the results were statistically significant and increased in the experimental group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study psycho-education is an effective intervention that can reduce the affiliate stigma among family caregivers of people with bipolar disorder and it can be considered as one of the de-stigmatization strategies for them.