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Cao X, Zheng N. How Does Disgust Affect Mpox Prevention? Examining the Underlying Mechanisms of Perceived Severity and Perceived Susceptibility Moderated by Stigma. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38916051 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2364377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The study aims to examine the influencing mechanism of incidental exposure to Disgusting Graphics Information (DGI) about Monkeypox (Mpox) on the intention of prevention behavior. This study first investigates the components of disgust and then examines the mechanism of disgust's influence. The study uses a cross-sectional survey design among respondents who have been incidentally exposed to DGI about Mpox (N = 368). The results showed that disgust toward Mpox is the most effective component among other proposed ones (disgust toward graphics, information sources, and patients). Disgust not only positively influences prevention intention, but also indirectly influences prevention intention through perceived severity rather than perceived susceptibility. Moreover, moderated mediation was found, indicating that stigma toward patients prevents people from adopting preventive behaviors. Both theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Cao
- School of Journalism and Communication, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Nanxiao Zheng
- School of Journalism and Communication, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
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Doughty J, Macdonald ME, Muirhead V, Freeman R. Oral health-related stigma: Describing and defining a ubiquitous phenomenon. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2023; 51:1078-1083. [PMID: 37462247 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper is the fourth of a series of narrative reviews to critically rethink underexplored concepts in oral health research. The series commenced with an initial commissioned framework of Inclusion Oral Health, which spawned further exploration into the social forces that undergird social exclusion and othering. The second review challenged unidimensional interpretations of the causes of inequality by bringing intersectionality theory to oral health. The third exposed how language, specifically labels, can perpetuate and (re)produce vulnerability by eclipsing the agency and power of vulnerabilised populations. In this fourth review, we revisit othering, depicted in the concept of stigma. We specifically define and conceptualize oral health-related stigma, bringing together prior work on stigma to advance the robustness and utility of this theory for oral health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Doughty
- NIHR Clinical Lecturer, School of Dentistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - M E Macdonald
- Clinical Reader and Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health, Centre for Dental Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - V Muirhead
- J&W Murphy Foundation Endowed Chair in Palliative Care Research. Professor, Division of Palliative Medicine. Nova Scotia Health Affiliate Scientist (Research). Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - R Freeman
- Past co-director Dental Health Services Research Unit, School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Dopelt K, Davidovitch N, Davidov N, Plot I, Boas H, Barach P. "As if we are branded with the mark of Cain": stigma, guilt, and shame experienced by COVID-19 survivors in Israel - a qualitative study. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-14. [PMID: 36684454 PMCID: PMC9838295 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04241-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Stigma is associated with harmful health outcomes, and it fuels social and health inequalities. It can undermine social cohesion and encourage social exclusion of groups, which may contribute to secrecy about disease symptoms, avoidance of disease testing and vaccination, and further spread of a contagious illness. Stigmatization is a social process set to exclude those who are perceived to be a potential source of disease and may pose a threat to effective interpersonal and social relationships. In this qualitative study, we delved into the stigmatization experiences of twenty COVID-19 recovered patients during the COVID-19 first wave, using in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted during November 2020. Using thematic analysis, we found that the process of stigmatization was all-encompassing, from the stage of diagnosis throughout the duration of the disease and the recovery phases. On the basis of the data, we hypothesized that stigma is a significant public health concern, and effective and comprehensive interventions are needed to counteract the damaging and insidious effects during infectious disease pandemics such as COVID-19, and reduce infectious disease-related stigma. Interventions should address provision of emotional support frameworks for the victims of stigmatization and discrimination that accompany the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics. This study was conducted in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when uncertainty about the disease was high and fear of contamination fueled high levels of stigmatization against those who became ill with Covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Dopelt
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Nadav Davidovitch
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Nikol Davidov
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Ira Plot
- Department of Public Health, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Hagai Boas
- Department of Politics and Governance, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
- The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paul Barach
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA
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Asshoff R, Heuckmann B, Ryl M, Reinhardt K. "Bed bugs live in dirty places"-How Using Live Animals in Teaching Contributes to Reducing Stigma, Disgust, Psychological Stigma, and Misinformation in Students. CBE LIFE SCIENCES EDUCATION 2022; 21:ar73. [PMID: 36194505 PMCID: PMC9727609 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.22-03-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Bed bugs are on the rise and are increasingly perceived as harmful parasites. Because individuals affected by bed bugs often feel disgust and shame and are stigmatized, bed bugs are an important public health and environmental justice concern and therefore a health education issue as well. In this quasi-experimental study, we examine how different constructs, namely, forms of stigma, disgust, psychological distance, and myths about bed bugs (dependent variables), change over time (pre/posttest) in response to two forms of teaching intervention (independent variables) in upper secondary-level high school. The content of the interventions was the same, but in class, we showed live bed bugs to one group of students, assuming this would lead to a more realistic, less imaginative response to bed bugs than in the group presented with only pictures of bed bugs. Together with previous studies, we assumed that live bed bugs would be perceived as less disgusting and with a lower degree of stigmatization. Our results show that stigma, psychological distance, and myths can be reduced through intervention (regardless of live animal or picture). Disgust was more strongly reduced by live animals than by pictures. We present implications for biology education and contemporary health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Asshoff
- Centre for Biology Education, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Schlossplatz 34, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Benedikt Heuckmann
- Centre for Biology Education, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Schlossplatz 34, 48143 Münster, Germany
- Institute for Science Education, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Am Kleinen Felde 30, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Mike Ryl
- Centre for Biology Education, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Schlossplatz 34, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Klaus Reinhardt
- Faculty of Biology, Applied Zoology, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg 20b, 01217 Dresden, Germany
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Schienle A, Wabnegger A. Self-disgust in Patients with Dermatological Diseases. Int J Behav Med 2022; 29:827-832. [PMID: 35113320 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-022-10058-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dermatological diseases can be associated with symptoms such as oozing pus, weeping, and/or bleeding, which represent primary disgust elicitors. This study examined the role of self-disgust in people with different skin conditions (e.g., hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus). METHODS A self-selected sample of 200 dermatology patients completed questionnaires for the assessment of self-disgust, experienced stigmatization, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatization. Multiple regression analysis and mediation analysis were computed to examine the relationship between self-disgust and the other selected variables. RESULTS Sixty-four percent of the patients reported elevated self-disgust. Sex, age, depression, and perceived stigmatization were predictors of self-disgust. Depression mediated the relationship between stigmatization (e.g., staring by others) and self-disgust. CONCLUSIONS This study points to the important role of self-disgust in dermatological conditions. Public health programs to counteract stigmatization of patients with skin diseases as well as therapy approaches that help decrease patients' self-disgust and increase self-acceptance are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Schienle
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Albert Wabnegger
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
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Soffer M. Cancer-related stigma in the USA and Israeli mass media: an exploratory study of structural stigma. J Cancer Surviv 2022; 16:213-222. [PMID: 35107795 PMCID: PMC8809241 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01145-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer is considered a stigmatized condition in many cultures. One key cultural site that produces illness-related structural stigma is mass media. This study explored the social construction of cancer-related stigma in mass media during the time of COVID-19. Specifically, we compared how cancer-related stigma is constructed in two contexts: American and Israeli mass media. METHODS Two samples were drawn: all articles that mentioned cancer and published in a 4-month period in USA Today (N = 117) and Israel Today (N = 108). Inductive Thematic Analysis was used to analyze the articles. RESULTS Three similar themes were identified in the samples: "the trivialization of cancer," "cancer as metaphor," and the "the war against cancer." In both samples, people with cancer were depicted as heroic. Despite the similarities in themes, how each theme was constructed reflected sociocultural differences between the two samples. CONCLUSIONS There appear to be presented universal mechanisms of cancer-related stigma in the media, alongside cultural differences in how they are employed and constructed. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS The results stress the importance of debunking cancer-related stigma in the media and elsewhere. Cancer survivors and their families, reporters, researchers, and other stakeholders in the two studied countries should collaborate to devise culturally informed guidelines for reporting and writing about cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Soffer
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, 349883, Haifa, Israel.
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Mayor R, Reuber M, Giga S, Simpson J. An exploration of the experiences of self-disgust in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 126:108435. [PMID: 34864376 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the experiences of self-disgust in people with epilepsy and their understandings about this. DESIGN A qualitative study informed by thematic analysis. METHOD Ten adults (out of 43 individuals initially interested in taking part, with 38 of those with levels of self-disgust categorised as high) with epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures were recruited online and participated in a telephone semi-structured interview. RESULTS Three themes illustrated the development and experiences of self-disgust in adults with epilepsy and uncontrolled seizures, and how participants attempted to manage this. The first theme described the development of self-disgust as a result of the physical manifestations of seizures but also the experiences of others' disgust reactions to seizures and an expectation of rejection. The second theme described the enduring and often unescapable experiences of self-disgust, with the final theme illustrating how participants attempted to manage experiences of self-disgust, particularly through avoidance. DISCUSSION This study was the first to explore qualitatively the experiences of self-disgust in people with epilepsy. People with epilepsy experience disgust in reaction to the physical symptoms of seizures and these disgust-based feelings appeared to become internalized following others' disgust reactions. Avoidance as a strategy to manage self-disgust could be protective but might have inadvertently maintained feelings of self-disgust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mayor
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Reuber
- Academic Neurology Unit University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road Sheffield, S10 2JF, United Kingdom
| | - Sabir Giga
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Simpson
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, United Kingdom.
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Akin-Odanye EO, Husman AJ. Impact of stigma and stigma-focused interventions on screening and treatment outcomes in cancer patients. Ecancermedicalscience 2021; 15:1308. [PMID: 34824631 PMCID: PMC8580722 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stigma is known to negatively influence cancer patients’ psychosocial behaviour and treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to systematically review the current data on cancer-related stigma across different populations and identify effective interventions used to address it. Methodology The protocol, search, appraisal, synthesis, analysis and reporting framework was used for conducting this systematic literature review. CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar databases were searched using the different combination of keywords that include ‘cancer stigma’. Articles publication period was set for 2010–2020. A total of 54 articles (31 quantitative, 19 qualitative, 2 mixed methods and 2 scoping reviews) that met inclusion criteria were reviewed out of the 958 articles initially identified. Quality assessment of included studies revealed the studies had varying levels of methodological quality. Extracted data were organised and narratively analysed. Results Cancer stigma was expressed across different segments of the society including amongst the elites and healthcare providers. Developing countries had higher rates of stigma reported and experience of stigma varied by cancer type. Cancer was consistently associated with imminent death in all studies reviewed. Cancer patients experiencing stigma were more inclined to conceal their diagnosis and to seek medical help later. Whilst cancer stigma majorly resulted in negative psychosocial outcomes in patients, there were also instances of posttraumatic growth emanating from the stigma experienced. Literature on cancer-related stigma interventions was scant. Conclusion Cancer related stigma remains high in both clinical settings and amongst the general public. There is need for more interventions to combat cancer stigma and its effect in both patient and non-patient population. Anti-cancer public enlightenment campaigns should be sensitively designed to not further fuel stigma against patients with certain types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth O Akin-Odanye
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University College Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Road, Oritamefa, Ibadan, Oyo State, 200212, Nigeria
| | - Anisah J Husman
- College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
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Thiebaut G, Méot A, Witt A, Prokop P, Bonin P. "Touch Me If You Can!": Individual Differences in Disease Avoidance and Social Touch. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 19:14747049211056159. [PMID: 34874187 PMCID: PMC10358415 DOI: 10.1177/14747049211056159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The threat of diseases varies considerably among individuals, and it has been found to be linked to various proactive or reactive behaviors. In the present studies, we investigated the impact of individual differences in the perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD) on social touch before (Study 1) or during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (Study 2). We also investigated the influence of personality traits in the covariation between these two dimensions. We found that people who are the most disease-avoidant are also the most reluctant to touching or being touched by others (and this relationship holds when personality traits are taken into account). Interestingly, the association between PVD and social touch increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with a few months before. By showing that the fear of contamination has an association with social touch, the findings provide further evidence for the behavioral immune system ( Schaller and Park, 2011), a psychological system acting as a first line of defense against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Thiebaut
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, LEAD-CNRS UMR5022, Dijon, France
| | - Alain Méot
- Université Clermont-Auvergne, LAPSCO-CNRS UMR6024, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Arnaud Witt
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, LEAD-CNRS UMR5022, Dijon, France
| | - Pavol Prokop
- Department of Environmental Ecology and Landscape Management, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Patrick Bonin
- Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, LEAD-CNRS UMR5022, Dijon, France
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Reynolds LM, Harris L. Stigma in the face of cancer disfigurement: A systematic review and research agenda. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2020; 30:e13327. [PMID: 32896036 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An emerging body of work has reported on the psychological impact of disfigurement on cancer patients; however, the extent of research focusing on stigmatisation in this context is unclear. This review aimed to evaluate how stigma associated with disfigurement impacts on cancer patients. METHODS A systematic review of literature was conducted using SCOPUS, Web of Science, MEDLINE and PubMed databases. Articles were included if they described a qualitative or quantitative study that investigated the impact of stigma and disfigurement on individuals with cancer and/or their families. Included studies were appraised for methodology and narratively synthesised. RESULTS Of the 16 studies which met the inclusion criteria, ten were qualitative and six were quantitative. Publication dates ranged from 1994 to 2020. Results highlighted the varying impact of felt and enacted stigma in people with cancer disfigurement. While individuals cope with stigma in different ways and outcomes can sometimes be positive, most articles documented a negative impact to well-being including emotions such as disgust and shame. CONCLUSION This review identified negative and (sometimes) positive consequences of disfigurement and stigma on cancer patients; however, the main finding is that relevant research is in its infancy. Several areas of future research are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Reynolds
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lauren Harris
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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