Stigma and Health, Vol 11(2), May 2026, 200-208; doi:10.1037/sah0000654
Helping people with mental illness develop stigma resistance and mitigate self-stigma is critical for reducing the adverse effects of public stigma on mental health outcomes. Identifying the factors that facilitate these processes is essential. This study contributes to this research area by examining whether positive ingroup perceptions—particularly group identification—can enhance stigma resistance, reduce self-stigma, and improve mental health outcomes. A total of 235 people with mental illness completed questionnaires measures of group identification at baseline (Time 1) and measures of stigma resistance, self-stigma, psychological distress, and personal recovery 1 year later (Time 2). Path analyses revealed that group identification was associated with greater stigma resistance and lower self-stigma, and these factors were linked to reduced psychological distress and improved personal recovery. Bootstrap analyses further demonstrated that group identification had indirect effects on psychological distress and personal recovery through stigma resistance and self-stigma. Theoretically, our findings reveal how group identification helps people with mental illness counter public stigma, diminish self-stigma, and ultimately experience less psychological distress and a more optimistic outlook on recovery, enabling them to lead satisfying and hopeful lives. Practically, our findings highlight the importance of designing and implementing effective interventions to foster group identification among people with mental illness, thereby helping them enhance stigma resistance, develop an adaptive illness identity, and improve psychological well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)