Objective: This study examined differences in self-stigma between patients with cannabis-induced first-episode psychosis (C-FEP, n = 10) and non-cannabis-induced first-episode psychosis (NC-FEP, n = 10).
Methods: We used three core measures: the Self-Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (SSMIS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and qualitative interviews.
Results: Despite similar levels of stereotype awareness, C-FEP patients showed significantly lower stereotype concurrence (p < .01) and self-application (p < .05) than NC-FEP patients. C-FEP patients attributed their symptoms to cannabis use rather than inherent vulnerability, potentially buffering against internalized stigma, but expressed greater disclosure concerns. Self-esteem was higher in the C-FEP group (p < .05).
Conclusions: These findings suggest that causal attribution influences self-stigma manifestation, with important implications for tailored stigma interventions in early psychosis.
Keywords: Self-stigma; cannabis; first episode psychosis; psychosis.