Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale

The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) is a 29-item self-report measure assessing the extent to which individuals with serious mental illness have internalized societal stigma—that is, adopted negative beliefs and stereotypes about themselves and their condition. Developed by Ritsher, Otilingam, and Grajales in 2003, the ISMI captures five dimensions of internalized stigma: alienation, stereotype endorsement, perceived discrimination, social withdrawal, and stigma resistance. The ISMI is widely used in mental health research and clinical practice to assess stigma burden and inform stigma-reduction interventions.