Internalized Stigma and Fear of Evaluation as Predictors of Social Withdrawal in Women with Mental Health Conditions

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive roles of internalized stigma and fear of evaluation on social withdrawal in women diagnosed with mental health conditions. Methods and Materials: A correlational descriptive design was employed with a sample of 397 women from Turkey, selected using Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size table. Participants completed standardized self-report questionnaires measuring internalized stigma, fear of evaluation, and social withdrawal. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS-27. Assumptions of normality, linearity, homoscedasticity, and multicollinearity were tested and met prior to regression analysis. Findings: Results indicated a significant positive correlation between internalized stigma and social withdrawal (r = .61, p < .01), and between fear of evaluation and social withdrawal (r = .53, p < .01). The two predictors also correlated significantly with one another (r = .49, p < .01). The regression model was significant, F(2, 394) = 149.27, p < .001, accounting for 44% of the variance in social withdrawal (R² = .44). Both internalized stigma (β = .48, t = 8.20, p < .001) and fear of evaluation (β = .32, t = 5.43, p < .001) emerged as significant predictors, with internalized stigma being the stronger predictor. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of internal psychological processes in shaping social behaviors among women with mental health conditions. Internalized stigma and fear of evaluation both significantly contribute to social withdrawal, with implications for mental health intervention and stigma reduction strategies. Culturally tailored approaches are essential to addressing these factors and promoting social reintegration in affected populations.