A program to reduce self-stigma from health conditions
Transdiagnostic Intervention to Reduce Internalized Health-Related Stigma
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11011380
This project offers counseling and peer-support approaches to help people with HIV, cancer, visible skin conditions, or diabetes feel less ashamed and improve mental and physical wellbeing.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11011380 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team is creating a single program meant to help people with different illnesses who carry self-stigma. They plan to combine peer support and psychological counseling techniques and work with people living with HIV, cancers that affect appearance, skin disorders, and diabetes. Participants will share experiences, learn coping skills for shame and internalized stigma, and researchers will track changes in mood, quality of life, and engagement with care. The goal is a practical treatment people across conditions can use to feel less isolated and better manage their health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with conditions commonly linked to health-related stigma—such as HIV, disfiguring cancers, visible skin disorders, or diabetes—who experience feelings of shame or self-blame would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who do not experience internalized stigma, children, or those unable to take part in counseling or peer-support activities are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower self-stigma, improve mental health and quality of life, and increase engagement with medical care across multiple health conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Small studies of peer support and counseling have shown promise for specific conditions, but broadly applicable transdiagnostic programs to reduce internalized health-related stigma are largely untested.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PEARL, REBECCA L — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: PEARL, REBECCA L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus, Cancers, Cutaneous Disorder, Diabetes Mellitus