The factorial validity and measurement invariance of stigma across mental disorders among ethnocultural groups

Objective: Despite the growing body of research on mental health stigma, its dimensionality across mental disorders (MDs) and ethnocultural contexts remains underexplored. This study identified dimensions of personal stigma towards individuals with depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia; examined whether stigma dimensions differ by disorder; tested consistency across three ethnocultural groups in Israel–long-term Israeli Jews (LTIJ), Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI), and immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU); and compared stigma levels. Method: Respondents who correctly identified the condition in vignettes (N = 555 for PTSD, 570 for depression, and 913 for schizophrenia) were included. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed two shared dimensions: ‘denial of the condition as medical’ and ‘danger and exclusion’, with a third ‘exclusion’ dimension unique to depression. While most dimensions demonstrated acceptable-to-good internal consistency, the ‘denial’ dimension showed poor reliability across conditions. Measurement invariance confirmed these dimensions were structurally consistent across groups. Group differences emerged: PCI scored higher on denial but lower on exclusion than FSU immigrants, who showed the highest exclusion. Findings demonstrate that personal stigma is multidimensional and culturally patterned. Discussion: These insights can inform targeted, culturally responsive interventions to reduce stigma and enhance inclusion for individuals with MDs.