Stigma Sosial dan Rekonstruksi Identitas Diri pada Pengidap Skizofrenia: Kajian Fenomenologis

Social Stigma and Self-Identity Reconstruction in Schizophrenia Sufferers: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This study aims to analyse how social construction shapes public perceptions of people with schizophrenia and how social stigma influences the formation and reconstruction of their self-identity. Schizophrenia has been wrongly perceived as a dangerous and incurable condition, thus giving rise to a strong social stigma. To understand this phenomenon, this study used a qualitative approach with an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) design on three participants diagnosed with schizophrenia and undergoing therapy at a rehabilitation institution in Semarang City. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and were analysed thematically to explore the meaning of the participants' subjective experiences. The results revealed four main themes, namely: (1) the social construction of schizophrenia through the process of labelling and stereotyping; (2) internalisation of stigma that influences self-identity; (3) the role of social support in the process of identity reconstruction; and (4) clinical and social implications towards a holistic recovery approach. These findings reveal that social support plays a significant role in reducing the negative impact of self-stigma and helping individuals rebuild a positive identity. This study emphasises the importance of a multidimensional approach in the recovery of people with schizophrenia that combines medical, social, and psychological aspects.