Leiden University Student Repository

Celep, Eda Yeşim (2026)

Relations Among Trait Mindfulness, Internalized Stigma, and Self-Efficacy in Psychology Students with Lived Experience of Mental Health Problems

Master thesis | Psychology (MSc)

Within university settings, particularly in psychology programs, personal experience with mental health difficulties is not uncommon. How students view their own capability and their experience may affect well-being. Against this backdrop, this study examined whether trait mindfulness was associated with higher self-efficacy and lower internalized stigma, and whether internalized stigma mediated the mindfulness and self-efficacy association among psychology students with lived experience of mental health difficulties. In a cross-sectional survey, students (N = 79) completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire–Short Form (FFMQ-15), the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale–Short Form (ISMI-9), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Pearson correlations and simple regressions were conducted, followed by mediation testing. Results showed that higher mindfulness was significantly associated with greater self-efficacy and lower internalized stigma. However, the...Show moreWithin university settings, particularly in psychology programs, personal experience with mental health difficulties is not uncommon. How students view their own capability and their experience may affect well-being. Against this backdrop, this study examined whether trait mindfulness was associated with higher self-efficacy and lower internalized stigma, and whether internalized stigma mediated the mindfulness and self-efficacy association among psychology students with lived experience of mental health difficulties. In a cross-sectional survey, students (N = 79) completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire–Short Form (FFMQ-15), the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale–Short Form (ISMI-9), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Pearson correlations and simple regressions were conducted, followed by mediation testing. Results showed that higher mindfulness was significantly associated with greater self-efficacy and lower internalized stigma. However, the hypothesized mediation model was not supported, as internalized stigma did not significantly predict self-efficacy when included in the model. These findings suggest that mindfulness contributes to self-efficacy primarily through direct pathways, rather than through reductions in stigma. The study contributes to self-stigma research and indicates that mindfulness-based supports could help build self-efficacy and lessen self-stigmatizing views.Show less

mindfulness, internalized stigma, self-efficacy, psychology students, lived experience

Author

Celep, Eda Yeşim

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Clinical Psychology

Supervisors

Steenbergen, L.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en