The role of psychological well-being in the effect of spirituality on stigma in individuals with epilepsy

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of psychological well-being in the effect of spirituality on stigma in individuals with epilepsy. Methods This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted between March 2024 and January 2025 at a training and research hospital in Van, Turkey, with 257 individuals aged 18 and above diagnosed with epilepsy. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Spirituality Scale, the Psychological Well-being Scale, and the Stigma Scale for Epilepsy Patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS, R programming language 4.1.3 and G*Power software. Results This study showed that an increase in spirituality was positively associated with psychological well-being (beta = 0.976, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with stigmatization (beta = -0.752, p < 0.001). Furthermore, psychological well-being was found to be a partial mediator of the relationship between spirituality and stigmatization (indirect effect = -0.2938, 95% CI: -0.4506, -0.1418), suggesting that spirituality may be related to levels of stigmatization not only directly but also through psychological well-being. Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that spirituality plays a significant role in reducing stigma among individuals with epilepsy, with psychological well-being acting as a partial mediator in this relationship. As levels of spirituality and psychological well-being increase, perceived stigma decreases. These results highlight the importance of spirituality and psychological well-being in interventions aimed at reducing stigma and improving mental health.