Integrated Psychoeducation Program for Internalized Stigma in Schizophrenia

The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether the Integrated Psychoeducation Program reduces internalized stigma and improves related outcomes in adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and whether the program is feasible to deliver in a community mental health setting. The main question it aims to answer is: Do participants who receive the program show a greater reduction in internalized stigma from pre-test to post-test than participants in a waitlist control group who continue treatment as usual? Researchers will also examine changes in self-esteem, hopelessness, and psychological flourishing, whether changes are maintained at 3-month follow-up, and attendance and retention rates. Participants in the intervention group will attend 8 weekly group sessions that combine psychoeducation, an expressive writing exercise, and breathing/relaxation exercises. Participants in the waitlist control group will continue treatment as usual and will be offered the program after the study. All participants will complete questionnaires before the program (pre-tests), after the program (post-tests), and 3 months after the post-tests (3-month follow-up).

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 65 years * Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder * Literate in Turkish * Receiving regular pharmacotherapy * Informed consent from the participant (and from a legal guardian, where applicable) Exclusion Criteria: * Substance use disorder * Neurological or organic brain disorder * Acute exacerbation of psychotic symptoms