The effect of psychoeducation for young people at clinical high risk for psychosis on emotional and stigmarelated experiences

Mental health professionals have expressed concern about stigmatizing young people by informing them about their clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) status, while advocates of disclosure cite supporting patients’ autonomy, being honest and transparent, and showing respect for patients’ rights and dignity. A recent study showed less negative emotion, and no change in positive emotion, after youth were told of their CHR status (Woodberry et al, 2021). The goal of this study was to investigate CHR individuals’ emotional and stigma-related experiences before and after participation in a CHR psychoeducation intervention. We hypothesized reductions in negative emotions (eg, shame) and improvements in positive emotions (eg, hope).