THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PERCEIVED STIGMA AND INTERNALISED STIGMA, AND THE SOCIAL PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The present study employed a cross-sectional research design to examine the association between perceived stigma and internalised stigma, and the social participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Singapore. Thirty-one participants between the ages of 21 and 67 were recruited through SPD and NUS Enablers. Participants completed an online questionnaire on their experiences of perceived stigma, experiences of internalised stigma, and the extent to which they face restrictions in their social participation. A multivariable linear regression analysis was performed using the quantitative data collected to examine whether perceived stigma and internalised stigma were significantly associated with the social participation of participants, while controlling for the effects of gender. Results revealed that higher levels of internalised stigma were significantly associated with more restrictions in social participation after allowing for the effects of gender and perceived stigma. Findings therefore highlight the importance of targeting internalised stigma in social work interventions that intend to enhance the social participation of PWDs in Singapore, such as through cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoeducation, and psychotherapy.