Impact Of Stigma Research Articles

The impact of poverty stigma on computer and information literacy among China's rural students

Rural middle school students often experience significant educational disparities compared to their urban peers, particularly in developing computer skills and computer and information literacy (CIL). However, there has been insufficient research on the impact of poverty stigma on their CIL development. To address this literature gap, this research examines the influence of poverty stigma and self-efficacy on CIL performance among rural eighth graders in two studies. Guided by the social cognitive theory and labeling theory, Study 1 (n1 = 2783) analyzes the mediating effects of family socioeconomic status and self-efficacy on CIL, while Study 2 (n2 = 2153) investigates the mediating effects of perceived poverty stigma at the dimensions of social stigma and self-stigma on CIL. The results suggest that poverty, family socioeconomic status, and computer use at school positively affect CIL, with self-efficacy mediating the relationship between them. While students from low-resourced families do not perceive social stigma as directly impacting their CIL, self-stigma plays a mediating role between perceived social stigma and CIL. These findings have significant implications for educators seeking to improve CIL in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of increasing computer access at school for better educational outcomes.

ИНТЕГРАЦИЯ СОЦИОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ТЕОРИЙ В ПРАКТИКУ СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ РАБОТЫ С НАРКОПОТРЕБИТЕЛЯМИ В СИСТЕМЕ ПРОБАЦИИ

The research’s relevance is caused by the need to improve the effectiveness of social work with drug users in the probation system. Drug users face problems such as social stigma, weak social ties, and limited resources. The study is aimed to analyze sociological theories for application in the practice of social work with drug users in the probation system. A literature review and analysis of documents on sociological theories and problems of drug addiction were used. The following results were achieved. The theory of stigmatization helps to analyze the impact of stigma on drug users and develop methods to reduce stigma. Social network theory provides insight into the role of social connections. Recovery capital theory analyzes the available resources and support. The article concludes that these sociological theories contribute to a deeper understanding of drug users’ problems and the development of more effective strategies for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

CHALLENGES IN CARE OF CHILDREN IN CORRUPTION CASES: ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS

Studies regarding the care of prisoners' children always involve the psychological problems that arise. So far, the existing findings do not examine the socio-economic perspective in the practice of caring for the children of prisoners. This research is important to do to find out how the family is able to organize itself. For support parenting children, what about stigma and discrimination to family prisoner influence methods they educate children their relationships with neighbors and community around impact on his upbringing and what his condition is like social economy influence parenting child prisoner? This research uses qualitative methods with in-depth interviews and participant observation, using case studies on families of corruption case inmates at Class 1 Correctional Institutions (Lapas) in Makassar City. Using an ethnographic approach with case studies through descriptive analysis of social structure, family structure, social support, and the impact of socio-economic conditions of prisoners on child care in terms of finances, education, employment, and economic support, which influence the ability of prisoner parents to provide adequate attention and care, worthy of their children. Researchers found that socioeconomic conditions play an important role in the upbringing of prisoners' children. Challenges in access to education and health services, economic limitations in providing care, and the impact of social stigma are important aspects that need to be considered in helping prisoners' families provide quality care for their children. By understanding the impact of these social and economic factors, it is hoped that this research can provide deeper insight and support in designing appropriate interventions to improve the quality of care for prisoners' children in families with limited socio-economic conditions.

Pathoreactive Experiences of Epileptic Females: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Background: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological condition that affects individuals worldwide, with significant social and psychological impacts. Adolescent females with epilepsy in Pakistani society face unique challenges due to cultural perceptions, social stigma, and traditional beliefs regarding treatment. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective support systems and interventions. Objective: This study aims to explore the pathoreactive experiences of adolescent females with epilepsy in Pakistan, focusing on the psychosomatic, social, and cultural barriers they encounter. The objective is to identify the specific needs of this group to inform targeted support strategies and public awareness campaigns. Methods: Employing a qualitative research design, this study utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis to delve into the experiences of adolescent females with epilepsy. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling from a government hospital in Lahore. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVIVO-11 to identify themes and categories reflecting the participants' experiences. Results: The analysis revealed five key categories of challenges faced by the participants: psychosomatic difficulties, social withdrawal, family problems, superstitious beliefs, and the impact of social stigma. These findings highlight the complex interplay between epilepsy, cultural beliefs, and societal attitudes, underscoring the need for comprehensive support and public education. Conclusion: Adolescent females with epilepsy in Pakistan encounter a myriad of challenges that necessitate a multifaceted support approach. Addressing the psychosomatic issues, combating social stigma, and challenging traditional beliefs are essential steps towards improving their quality of life. Public awareness campaigns and culturally sensitive healthcare interventions are critical for de-stigmatizing epilepsy and promoting a more inclusive society.

“Pap smear horror stories, self loathing, feeling like I was less of a woman”: A qualitative content analysis of an online vaginismus forum

Objective: To understand what concerns and experiences people with vaginismus share online anonymously but may not share with clinicians. Methods: Two researchers compiled all comments and posts made from November 2019 to April 2020 within an online vaginismus forum ( n = 311) for content analysis. Two researchers separately performed inductive coding, categorized quotes into overarching categories and codes, and resolved inconsistencies with a third-party adjudicator. Results: Our analysis highlighted three key categories: “psychosocial concerns” (34%), “discussion of pain” (33%), and “lack of access to vulvovaginal healthcare” (34%). The category “psychosocial concerns” comprised of the codes “shame and/or social isolation” (12%), “mental health comorbidities” (9%), “fear of partner separation” (7%), “cultural/religious stigma” (2%), “partner separation” (2%), and “fear of infertility or vaginal delivery” (1%). The category “discussion of pain” comprised of the codes “successful therapies” (16%), “sexual pain” (9%), “nonsexual pain” (6%), and “unsuccessful therapies” (2%). The category “lack of access to vulvovaginal healthcare” comprised of the codes “lack of standardized therapy guidelines” (8%), “self diagnosis” (7%), “fertility testing and/or treatments limited by vaginismus” (5%), “clinicians dismissing symptoms” (4%), “inadequate clinician knowledge about vaginismus” (2%), “inadequate health and sex education in schools” (2%), “geographical barriers” (2%), and “COVID-19” (2%). Conclusion: This novel qualitative study of an online vaginismus forum highlights the need for a patient-centered approach to inform future research, medical education, and clinical practice. Our findings suggest we reevaluate the standard of care for patients with vaginismus and expand on existing knowledge of the impact of sexual health stigma on social and health outcomes.

A Bayesian network analysis to examine the effects of HIV stigma processes on self-concept and depressive symptoms among persons living with HIV.

This study examines the relationships between HIV stigma dimensions, self-related mechanisms, and depressive symptoms among persons living with HIV. HIV stigma hinders the well-being of individuals living with HIV, which is linked to depressive symptoms and increased risk of poor clinical outcomes. However, the mechanisms underlying stigma's impact on depression are poorly understood. Psychosocial theories propose that experiencing HIV stigma leads to internalized stigma, impacting self-concept and mental health. Using Bayesian network analysis, we explored associations among HIV stigma processes (experienced, anticipated, internalized, perceived community stigma, and HIV status disclosure) and self-related mechanisms (self-esteem, fear of negative evaluation [FNE], self-blame coping, and social exclusion), and depressive symptoms. Our diverse sample of 204 individuals, primarily men, gay/bisexual, Black, and lower-middle SES, who experienced stigma showed increased anticipated, internalized, and perceived community stigma, FNE, and depressive symptoms. Internalized stigma contributed to self-blame coping and higher depressive symptoms. Anticipated and perceived community stigma and FNE correlated with increased social exclusion. This study investigates potential mechanisms through which HIV stigma may impact depression. Identifying these mechanisms establishes a foundation for future research to inform targeted interventions, enhancing mental health and HIV outcomes among individuals living with HIV, especially from minority backgrounds. Insights gained guide evidence-based interventions to mitigate HIV stigma's detrimental effects, ultimately improving overall well-being and health-related outcomes for people with HIV.

The impact of stigma on quality of life and liver disease burden among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) face a multifaceted disease burden which includes impaired health-related quality of life (HRQL) and potential stigmatization. We aimed to assess the burden of liver disease in patients with NAFLD and the relationship between experience of stigma and HRQL. Members of the Global NASH Council created a survey about disease burden in NAFLD. Participants completed a 35-item questionnaire to assess liver disease burden (LDB) (seven domains), the 36-item CLDQ-NASH (six domains) survey to assess HRQL and reported their experience with stigmatization and discrimination. A total of 2,117 patients with NAFLD from 24 countries completed the LDB survey (48% Middle East and North Africa, 18% Europe, 16% USA, 18% Asia) and 778 competed CLDQ-NASH. Of the study group, 9% reported stigma due to NAFLD and 26% due to obesity. Participants who reported stigmatization due to NAFLD had substantially lower CLDQ-NASH scores (all p <0.0001). In multivariate analyses, experience with stigmatization or discrimination due to NAFLD was the strongest independent predictor of lower HRQL scores (beta from -5% to -8% of score range size, p <0.02). Experience with stigmatization due to obesity was associated with lower Activity, Emotional Health, Fatigue, and Worry domain scores, and being uncomfortable with the term "fatty liver disease" with lower Emotional Health scores (all p <0.05). In addition to stigma, the greatest disease burden as assessed by LDB was related to patients' self-blame for their liver disease. Stigmatization of patients with NAFLD, whether it is caused by obesity or NAFLD, is strongly and independently associated with a substantial impairment of their HRQL. Self-blame is an important part of disease burden among patients with NAFLD. Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), may experience impaired health-related quality of life and stigmatization. Using a specifically designed survey, we found that stigmatization of patients with NAFLD, whether it is caused by obesity or the liver disease per se, is strongly and independently associated with a substantial impairment of their quality of life. Physicians treating patients with NAFLD should be aware of the profound implications of stigma, the high prevalence of self-blame in the context of this disease burden, and that providers' perception may not adequately reflect patients' perspective and experience with the disease.

Deterrent or Stimulus? How Perceived Societal Stigma Affects Participation in Populist Radical Right Parties

While the effects of political stigma on populist radical right parties have been extensively investigated, we know little about the impact of societal stigma on populist radical right sympathisers. To examine this, I focus on a key group of populist radical right supporters, party members, and ask: How does perceived societal stigma affect the participation of populist radical right party members? Drawing on stigma research from social psychology and sociology, I develop the following three hypotheses: that stigma will work as a deterrent, as a stimulus, or that it will depend on where populist radical right rank-and-file live. I test these on the League in Italy and the Sweden Democrats, using original membership surveys of over 7800 grassroots members and interviews with 56 of them. The survey shows that perceived societal stigma has a consistent negative correlation with members’ participation. Furthermore, the interviews reveal that this negative relationship is due to stigma deterring participation, rather than participation reducing stigma.

Courtesy Stigma and HIV Professionals: A Brief Review of Implications for Psychosocial and Professional Well-Being

ABSTRACT The impact of HIV-related stigma on social workers, clinicians, counselors, and advocates working in organizations serving people living with HIV (PLWH), is rarely considered. Professionals experience “courtesy stigma” when working with or on behalf of PLWH, regardless of their personal HIV status. PubMed, Medline, and PsycInfo databases, along with a review of relevant reference lists and referrals, identified 13 studies addressing this phenomenon. Although limited, this brief review suggests that members of the HIV workforce do indeed face challenges that compromise their personal and professional well-being as a result of courtesy stigma. Addressing stigma among professionals is necessary to support the health of those working in the field, and to avoid undermining the efforts of this important workforce. More research is needed to understand the perceptions and experiences of courtesy stigma and how this stigma may adversely impact the psychological well-being, social functioning, and professional practice of HIV professionals.

The Role of Internalized Stigma in Modulating Hope, Self-esteem, and Self-efficacy Among Outpatients with Mental Illness

Background: Mental health disorders influence emotions and behavior and frequently result in stigma, particularly personal stigma, where affected individuals internalize societal biases. This study explores the relationship between internalized stigma and hope, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in individuals with mental illness. Objectives: The aim was to investigate the relationship between internalized stigma and hope, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in patients with mental illness and to contribute to the discourse on mental health care. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 126 mental illness outpatients from Amirkabir Hospital in Arak, Iran, was conducted. Instruments such as the Internalized Stigma Of Mental Illness (ISMI) Scale, Schneider's Dispositional Hope Scale, Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale, and the General Self-efficacy Scale were utilized. Data were analyzed using statistical methods. Results: In this study of 126 participants (54% women, 46% men; ages ranging from 18 to 89), the average score for internalized stigma was 61.04 ± 18.37. There were significant negative correlations observed between self-stigma and hope (r = -0.658, P &lt; 0.001), self-esteem (r = -0.666, P &lt; 0.001), and self-efficacy (r = -0.641, P &lt; 0.001). No significant relationships were identified with socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, and marital status. However, a significant relationship was observed between education level, self-stigma, and self-efficacy. Conclusions: The study confirms that internalized stigma significantly affects hope, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in patients with mental disorders. The findings emphasize the necessity for improved psychological services and educational programs to strengthen these factors, thus diminishing the impact of stigma and enhancing patients' lives.

The Role of Cultural Factors in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Diagnosis in Children in Nigeria

This paper explores the influence of cultural factors on the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Nigerian children. Examining traditional beliefs, societal norms, and the impact of stigma, the study addresses the challenges within the cultural context. Critiquing Western diagnostic criteria and exploring alternative explanatory models rooted in indigenous perspectives highlight the need for a culturally informed diagnostic approach. Additionally, the paper discusses the limited availability of mental health services, cultural barriers to seeking professional help, and the significance of cultural competence in ADHD diagnosis. Collaborative efforts with traditional healers and community leaders are emphasized. Ultimately, the study aims to contribute to a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to ADHD diagnosis in Nigeria.

The Impact of Intersectional Discrimination and Stigma on HIV Care for African, Caribbean, and Black Women Living With HIV During the COVID-19 Pandemic in British Columbia: A Descriptive Study.

African, Caribbean, and Black women living with HIV (ACB WWH) in British Columbia experience discrimination on the basis of their race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and HIV status. The various forms of stigma that ACB WWH experience intersect to create a uniquely marginalized experience that has negative consequences for quality of life and overall well-being. Eighteen semistructured interviews were completed with ACB WWH in British Columbia. Interviews were conducted by phone, Zoom, or in-person at the participant's request. Participants consistently reported experiences of various forms of discrimination. There was additional stigmatization due to COVID-19 pandemic that negatively influenced the lives of ACB WWH. Interventions and resources are needed to support ACB WWH in navigating how to work through the multifaceted impacts of intersectional stigmatization. Efforts are needed to identify ways to continue the delivery of resources like social support groups throughout future pandemics.

The Physical and Mental Repercussions of Weight Stigma

Weight stigma, or sizeism, is prejudice and discrimination against an individual based on their weight. Sizeism must be addressed due to its extreme severity and misconceptions. Body dysmorphic disorder, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental disorders stem from weight stigma. Two extensive studies uncovered the prominence of body shaming. First, an experiment called “The Impact of Weight Stigma on Caloric Consumption” by Natasha Schvey et al. involved 73 women of varying weights who were randomly assigned to either a control group (exposed to regular advertisements) or an experimental group (exposed to fat-shaming content). Both groups were given access to snack bowls and participants were provided with questionnaires. The women in the overweight/stigma group consumed three times more calories than the normal weight/neutral group. Additionally, women in the overweight/neutral group consumed the least amount of calories among all groups. The second experiment, labeled “Unpacking the psychological weight of weight stigma: A rejection-expectation pathway” by Blodorn et al., required 84 females and 78 males to give a speech while either audio or video recording. There was a positive correlation between BMI and rejection expectations among women in the experimental group. Incorporating such findings into legislation in the workforce, measures in schools, and social movements will promote society’s betterment. Psychologists may also be able to use this information to understand how sizeism translates to defense mechanisms, mental disorders, and self-efficacy, and how it has become prevalent due to the just-world phenomenon.

Young people, place-based stigma and resistance: A case study of Glasgow’s East End

This article analyses working-class young people’s perceptions of and resistance to place-based stigma, through a case study of a youth-led theatre project in the East End of Glasgow, UK. The impact of stigma on working-class communities is well-established; through the effects of poverty and inequality people and places are stigmatised. Although existing literature emphasises that we must recognise how working-class people construct alternative narratives, there is limited evidence on how people in neighbourhoods with high levels of poverty manage and resist stigma. There is a dearth of research on young people’s resistance to stigma. This qualitative study found promising signs of young people’s agency to resist place-based stigma by constructing alternative narratives. Through creative work, young people were able to convey powerful messages around poverty-related issues, making visible the effects of poverty on individuals and communities and encouraging empathy and understanding. However, it was also evident that individualistic understandings of poverty are so powerfully ingrained that these alternative narratives stopped short of an explicit recognition of structural causes of poverty. This article argues that viewing resistance as a process helps to identify possibilities for supporting young people to further develop critical consciousness, to confront stigmatising discourses in a way that exposes power relations, and to generate activism.

Structural stigma within inpatient care for people who inject drugs: implications for harm reduction.

Individuals suffering with addiction have historically experienced disproportionally high levels of stigma. The process of inpatient care for those with substance abuse disorder (SUD) is multifaceted, shaped by the interplay of human interactions within the healthcare team and overarching structural factors like policy. While existing literature predominantly addresses personal and interpersonal stigma, the influence of structural stigma on care delivery practices remains understudied. Our research aims to investigate the impact of structural stigma on care processes for individuals with SUD admitted to acute medicine units. Weconducted a secondary analysis ofobservation notes and interview transcriptsutilizing an analytic framework related to structural stigma adapted from previous research.Data was collected from June 2019 to January 2020 in 2 hospitals.81 participants consented to observation and 25 to interviews.Interviews were conducted with patients (n = 8), healthcare staff (n = 16), and caregivers (n = 1). Each aspect of care for people with SUD is adversely influenced by structural forms of stigma. There was evidence of a gap in accessing care and time pressures which deteriorated care processes. Structural stigma also manifested in the physical spaces designed for care and the lack of adequate resources available for mental health and addictions care. We found that structural stigma perpetuated other forms of implicit and explicit stigma. Structural stigma and other forms of stigma are interconnected. Improving care for people with SUD in hospital settingsmay require addressing structural forms of stigma such as how physical spaces are designed and how mental healthcare is integrated with physical healthcare within inpatient settings.

'What doesn't kill you. . .': A qualitative analysis of factors impacting the quality of life of people living with HIV.

Despite viral suppression, people living with HIV (PLHIV) report lower quality of life (QoL) than the general population, negatively impacting treatment adherence and wellbeing. This qualitative study explored factors influencing QoL of PLHIV. Participants completed a QoL questionnaire, with cut-off scores used to allocate participants into Low-Moderate QoL (n = 11) or High-Very High QoL (n = 10) focus groups. Thematic analysis indicated convergence across factors perceived to impact QoL, with some notable discrepancies. Socioeconomic stability, social connection and support, maintaining good health, adaptive attitudes and reduced impact of stigma were perceived to improve QoL, while obstacles to connection, ageing and poor HIV literacy in the general population were perceived to worsen QoL in both groups. The Low-Moderate QoL group alone identified socioeconomic stressors and ongoing burden of negative life experiences worsened their QoL. Results are presented in the context of local and global HIV health strategies, with implications for clinical management noted.

Experience and impact of stigma in people with chronic hepatitis B: a qualitative study in Asia, Europe, and the United States

BackgroundPeople with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) commonly experience social and self-stigma. This study sought to understand the impacts of CHB-related stigma and a functional cure on stigma.MethodsAdults with CHB with a wide range of age and education were recruited from 5 countries and participated in 90-minute qualitative, semi-structured interviews to explore concepts related to CHB-associated stigma and its impact. Participants answered open-ended concept-elicitation questions regarding their experience of social and self-stigma, and the potential impact of reduced CHB-related stigma.ResultsSixty-three participants aged 25 to 71 years (15 from the United States and 12 each from China, Germany, Italy, and Japan) reported emotional, lifestyle, and social impacts of living with CHB, including prejudice, marginalization, and negative relationship and work experiences. Self-stigma led to low self-esteem, concealment of CHB status, and social withdrawal. Most participants stated a functional cure for hepatitis B would reduce self-stigma.ConclusionsCHB-related social and self-stigma are widely prevalent and affect many aspects of life. A functional cure for hepatitis B may reduce social and self-stigma and substantially improve the health-related quality of life of people with CHB. Incorporating stigma into guidelines along with infectivity considerations may broaden the patient groups who should receive treatment.

The Impact of Stigma on Sexual and Gender Minority Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in life-altering changes for millions of people. Historically, marginalized groups prove to be among the most vulnerable populations during times of crisis due to the additional stress, isolation, fear, and stigma they already face in society. Through focus group research, this study sought to explore how one marginalized group, the LGBTQIA community, has been affected by the pandemic. The study found that although members of the LGBTQIA community did not face any specific COVID-19 stigma, the pandemic exacerbated the already disproportionate socioeconomic issues they faced. Already at risk of being socially isolated, the pandemic created a further division between participants and their personal relationships. In addition, participants faced the loss of jobs and health insurance, which increased their health risk. Participants expressed maintaining routines and relying on the resiliency they have built up over a lifetime of facing social stigma as ways that they were able to cope with the pandemic.

Seeking support for abortion online: a qualitative study of women’s experiences

IntroductionSocial support can mitigate the impact of stress and stigma before or after an abortion. However, stigma anticipation can limit access to in-person support. Informal online spaces can offer opportunities...

Development and Psychometric Validation of the Breast Cancer Stigma Assessment Scale for Women with Breast Cancer and Its Survivors.

The increase in breast cancer cases and breast cancer survival makes it advisable to quantify the impact of the health-related stigma of this disease. To develop and validate a breast cancer stigma scale in Spanish. Women diagnosed with, or survivors of, breast cancer were included. The development of the Breast Cancer Stigma Assessment Scale (BCSAS) involved both a literature review and personal interviews. Content validity was assessed using a Delphi study and a pilot test; construct validity was evaluated using an exploratory factor analysis; and convergent validity was assessed using six scales. Cronbach's α internal consistency and test-retest reliability were used to determine the reliability of the scales. 231 women responded to the 28-item scale. The BCSAS showed good reliability, with α = 0.897. Seven factors emerged: concealment (α = 0.765), disturbance (α = 0.772), internalized stigma (α = 0.750), aesthetics (α = 0.779), course (α = 0.599), danger (α = 0.502), and origin (α = 0.350). The test-retest reliability was 0.830 (p < 0.001). Significant correlation was observed with event centrality (r = 0.701), anxiety-depression (r = 0.668), shame (r = 0.645), guilt (r = 0.524), and quality of life (r = -0.545). The BCSAS is a reliable and valid measure of stigma in women with breast cancer and its survivors. It could be useful for detecting stigma risk and establishing psychotherapeutic and care priorities.