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Scott D, Bird E. Local Dynamics of Intersectional Stigma for Black LGBTQ People in Montreal, Quebec. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024:1-19. [PMID: 39158504 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2392681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Much academic literature on intersectional stigma is limited by a focus on relatively static and "universal" identity traits, such as ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. This paper addresses local dynamics of intersectional stigma for Black LGBTQ people in Montreal, QC, Canada. Findings draw from fourteen semi-structured, virtual interviews with key informants providing critical services to Black LGBTQ people living in Montreal. Findings suggest intersectional stigmatization via social identity and local power dynamics converge. Specifically, language and immigration are two domains determining intersectional stigma challenges and ameliorative opportunities for Black LGBTQ people in the city. Specific immigration-related challenges included (1) insecurity (e.g. concerning Canadian residency), (2) barriers to resource access (e.g. social and legal services), and (3) stressful identity challenges. Specific language issues included (1) Francophone limitations for expressing gender and sexual diversity and (2) exclusionary linguistic divisions (i.e. Franco/Anglo, Franco/non-Franco, and Western/non-Western). Local, place-based power inequities may determine black LGBTQ experiences of intersectional stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Scott
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - E Bird
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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2
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Brooks BD, Job SA, Kaniuka AR, Kolb R, Unda Charvel P, Araújo F. Healthcare discrimination and treatment adherence among sexual and gender minority individuals living with chronic illness: the mediating effects of anticipated discrimination and depressive symptoms. Psychol Health 2023:1-17. [PMID: 37339152 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2023.2220008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are at increased risk for an array of chronic illness due to minority stress. Up to 70% of SGM individuals report healthcare discrimination, which may cause additional challenges for SGM people living with chronic illness including avoiding necessary healthcare. The extant literature highlights how healthcare discrimination is associated with depressive symptoms and treatment nonadherence. However, there is limited evidence on the underlying mechanisms between healthcare discrimination and treatment adherence among SGM people living with chronic illness.Methods: Among a sample of SGM individuals living with chronic illness (n = 149) recruited from social media, the current study examined the mediating roles of anticipated discrimination and depressive symptoms on the relation between healthcare discrimination and treatment adherence in a serial mediation model.Results: We found that healthcare discrimination was associated with greater anticipated discrimination, increased depressive symptoms, and, in turn, poorer treatment adherence. Conclusion: These findings highlight the association between minority stress and both depressive symptoms and treatment adherence among SGM individuals living with chronic illness. Addressing institutional discrimination and the consequences of minority stress may improve treatment adherence among SGM individuals living with chronic illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron D Brooks
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sarah A Job
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Andréa R Kaniuka
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Rachel Kolb
- Department of Psychology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Fabiana Araújo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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3
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Martin-Storey A, Benner AD. Real and assumed sexual minority status: Longitudinal associations with depressive symptoms. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2023; 33:404-417. [PMID: 36458494 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Sexual minority status persists in being linked to poorer adolescent mental health. Using a longitudinal sample (N = 845), we examined how youth's own same-gender attraction and their perceptions of peers' beliefs about their same-gender attraction (i.e., assumed attraction) were associated with trajectories of depressive symptoms from grade eight (when students are typically 13-14 years old) to grade 10. Reporting either same-gender attraction, assumed same-gender attraction or both were associated with higher initial levels of depressive symptoms that persisted over time compared to youth with real and assumed other-gender attraction only. These links were partially mediated by experiences of discrimination. Findings suggest the importance of understanding adolescent perceptions of peer beliefs in the association between same-gender attraction and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Martin-Storey
- Département de Psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aprile D Benner
- Human Development and Families Sciences & Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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4
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Corlett S, Stutterheim SE, Whiley LA. “I only wanted one thing and that was to be who I am now”: Being a trans young adult and (re)negotiating vocational identity. GENDER WORK AND ORGANIZATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/gwao.12976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Corlett
- Department of Social Psychology Faculty of Psychology Universidad de Sevilla Sevilla Spain
- Department of Health Promotion & Care and Public Health Institute Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Sarah E. Stutterheim
- Department of Health Promotion & Care and Public Health Institute Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences Maastricht University Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - Lilith A. Whiley
- Department of Management University of Sussex Business School University of Sussex Brighton UK
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5
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Tempalski B, Williams LD, Kolak M, Ompad DC, Koschinsky J, McLafferty SL. Conceptualizing the Socio-Built Environment: An Expanded Theoretical Framework to Promote a Better Understanding of Risk for Nonmedical Opioid Overdose Outcomes in Urban and Non-Urban Settings. J Urban Health 2022; 99:701-716. [PMID: 35672547 PMCID: PMC9360264 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-022-00645-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Nonmedical opioid (NMO) use has been linked to significant increases in rates of NMO morbidity and mortality in non-urban areas. While there has been a great deal of empirical evidence suggesting that physical features of built environments represent strong predictors of drug use and mental health outcomes in urban settings, there is a dearth of research assessing the physical, built environment features of non-urban settings in order to predict risk for NMO overdose outcomes. Likewise, there is strong extant literature suggesting that social characteristics of environments also predict NMO overdoses and other NMO use outcomes, but limited research that considers the combined effects of both physical and social characteristics of environments on NMO outcomes. As a result, important gaps in the scientific literature currently limit our understanding of how both physical and social features of environments shape risk for NMO overdose in rural and suburban settings and therefore limit our ability to intervene effectively. In order to foster a more holistic understanding of environmental features predicting the emerging epidemic of NMO overdose, this article presents a novel, expanded theoretical framework that conceptualizes "socio-built environments" as comprised of (a) environmental characteristics that are applicable to both non-urban and urban settings and (b) not only traditional features of environments as conceptualized by the extant built environment framework, but also social features of environments. This novel framework can help improve our ability to identify settings at highest risk for high rates of NMO overdose, in order to improve resource allocation, targeting, and implementation for interventions such as opioid treatment services, mental health services, and care and harm reduction services for people who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tempalski
- Center for Community-Based Population Health Research, NDRI-USA, Inc., 31 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 USA
| | - Leslie D. Williams
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, 1603 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
| | - Marynia Kolak
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, 1155 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Danielle C. Ompad
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, and the Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 USA
| | - Julia Koschinsky
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, 1155 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Sara L. McLafferty
- Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1301 W Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
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6
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Kang E, Mellins CA, Kim W, Dolezal C, Kindler C, Leu CS, Abrams EJ. Navigating Stigma Trajectory and Mental Health Among Young Adults Living with Perinatal HIV in New York City. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3712-3720. [PMID: 33523346 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03166-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Perceived HIV stigma and mental health are fluid across the lifespan for people living with perinatally-acquired HIV (PHIV). The process of navigating discredited identities over time in the context of other life demands potentially exerts a toll on the mental health of adolescents and young adults living with PHIV (AYAPHIV). Based on data from a longitudinal study in New York City examining mental health and health risk behaviors among 182 AYAPHIV, we examined if increased perceived HIV stigma predicted mental health, future orientation, HIV-disclosure, and healthcare transition over time (2003-2018). Findings from linear mixed-effects modeling indicated that older age predicted poorer mental health, less future orientation, more HIV-serostatus disclosure, and adult medical services utilization. Perceived stigma was the only significant predictor of mental health and mediated the association between age and mental health-highlighting the importance of addressing stigma across development for AYAPHIV while addressing systems that perpetuate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezer Kang
- Department of Psychology, Howard University, 2041 Georgia Ave, Northwest, Washington, DC, 20059, USA.
| | - Claude A Mellins
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Woojae Kim
- Department of Psychology, Howard University, 2041 Georgia Ave, Northwest, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Curtis Dolezal
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Christine Kindler
- Department of Psychology, Howard University, 2041 Georgia Ave, Northwest, Washington, DC, 20059, USA
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, USA
- College of Physicians & Surgeon, Columbia University, New York, USA
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Barnes ME, Maas SA, Roberts JA, Brownell SE. Christianity as a Concealable Stigmatized Identity (CSI) among Biology Graduate Students. CBE LIFE SCIENCES EDUCATION 2021; 20:ar9. [PMID: 33444108 PMCID: PMC8108500 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.20-09-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent research has begun to explore the experiences of Christian undergraduates and faculty in biology to illuminate reasons for their underrepresentation. In this study, we focused on the experiences of graduate students and explored Christianity as a concealable stigmatized identity (CSI) in the biology community. We constructed interview questions using this CSI framework, which originates in social psychology, to research the experiences of those with stigmatized identities that could be hidden. We analyzed interviews from 33 Christian graduate students who were enrolled in biology programs and found that many Christian graduate students believe the biology community holds strong negative stereotypes against Christians and worry those negative stereotypes will be applied to them as individuals. We found that students conceal their Christian identities to avoid negative stereotypes and reveal their identities to counteract negative stereotypes. Despite these experiences, students recognize their value as boundary spanners between the majority secular scientific community and majority Christian public. Finally, we found that Christian students report that other identities they have, including ethnicity, gender, nationality, and LGBTQ+ identities, can either increase or decrease the relevance of their Christian identities within the biology community.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Elizabeth Barnes
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
| | - Samantha A. Maas
- Biology Education Research Lab, Research for Inclusive STEM Education Center, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85282
| | - Julie A. Roberts
- Biology Education Research Lab, Research for Inclusive STEM Education Center, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85282
| | - Sara E. Brownell
- Biology Education Research Lab, Research for Inclusive STEM Education Center, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85282
- *Address correspondence to: Sara E. Brownell ()
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Scott D. Stigma in place: Black gay men's experiences of the rural South. Health Place 2021; 68:102515. [PMID: 33515909 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Black gay men (MSM) in the rural United States South are inequitably burdened by stigmatization and the HIV epidemic. Drawing from twelve oral history interviews with middle-aged and older Black gay narrators from rural North Carolina, this research explores the impact of sexual marginalization and the HIV epidemic on lived experiences of the rural South. Despite describing increasingly empowered views of HIV and sexual health, narrators expressed persistent difficulty managing social determinants of HIV vulnerability-sexual stigma and disconnection from LGBTQ collectivity. Narrators reported better managing sexual marginalization over their lifetimes in urban settings and places outside of the South such as New York (NY). This research suggests stressful structural and interpersonal experiences of stigma may define lived experiences of particular settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Scott
- Department of Geography, Dartmouth College Hanover, New Hampshire, 03755, USA.
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Moody RL, Savarese E, Gurung S, Rendina HJ, Parsons JT. The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress in the Association between Harassment and Alcohol Use among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Military Personnel. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:2055-2063. [PMID: 32657197 PMCID: PMC7518327 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1790007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of psychological distress on the associations between two forms of harassment, military sexual trauma (MST) and sexual orientation-based discrimination (SOBD), and alcohol use in a sample of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) military personnel. Methods: Data were analyzed from 254 LGB military service members in the United States. Bivariate associations were examined between MST, SOBD, anxiety and depression, distress in response to stressful military events, and alcohol use. A latent psychological distress factor was estimated using anxiety and depression, and distress in response to stressful military events. Path analyses were used to estimate the direct effects of MST and SOBD on alcohol use and the indirect effects of MST and SOBD on alcohol use through psychological distress. Results: All bivariate associations were positive and significant between MST, SOBD, anxiety and depression, distress in response to military events, and alcohol use. In multivariable analyses, after adjusting for demographic covariates, a significant indirect effect was observed for SOBD on alcohol use through psychological distress. MST was not directly or indirectly associated with alcohol use when SOBD was included in the path model. Conclusion: Overall, findings suggest SOBD is associated with poorer mental health, which in turn places LGB military personnel at greater risk of alcohol use and associated problems. These results affirm the need for interventions that reduce SOBD in the military and suggest that these interventions will have a positive impact on the health of LGB military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond L. Moody
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Sitaji Gurung
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, The City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - H. Jonathon Rendina
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
- Health Psychology and Clinical Science Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY), New York, NY, USA
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Verbeek MJA, Hommes MA, Stutterheim SE, van Lankveld JJDM, Bos AER. Experiences with stigmatization among transgender individuals after transition: A qualitative study in the Netherlands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2020; 21:220-233. [PMID: 33015671 PMCID: PMC7430421 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2020.1750529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Background: Transgender individuals belong to one of the most stigmatized groups in society. Although the social stigma of transgender individuals has been examined many times, post transition stigma experiences among transgender individuals have received limited research attention. The aim of this study was to examine experiences with stigmatization among Dutch transgender individuals after their transition. Method: Ten trans women (age: M = 58.50, SD = 9.49) and 10 trans men (age: M = 42.90, SD = 13.62) participated in face-to-face semistructured interviews. Grounded theory was used to conceptualize and analyze the data. We examined the positive and negative reactions that transgender individuals experienced in the period after their transition. Furthermore, we explored differences between experiences of trans men and trans women. Finally, we examined differences between cisgender men and women regarding their reactions toward transgender individuals. Results: Participants reported improved psychological well-being since transition. However, they still experienced different forms of stigmatization. Trans women appeared to experience stronger social stigma than trans men. Trans women also experienced lower social status after their transition. They mainly experienced negative responses from cisgender men. Participants emphasized the importance of social and peer support. Conclusion: The current study findings demonstrate the presence of stigmatization after transition and argue for psychological aftercare. Social and peer support appeared to be important for coping with stigmatization, and improving the social network of transgender individuals is beneficial. Health providers and researchers are recommended to promote the development of constructive coping skills for transgender individuals with interventions especially targeting trans women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark A. Hommes
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Sarah E. Stutterheim
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan E. R. Bos
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
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Reinka MA, Pan‐Weisz B, Lawner EK, Quinn DM. Cumulative consequences of stigma: Possessing multiple concealable stigmatized identities is associated with worse quality of life. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mora A. Reinka
- Department of Psychological Sciences University of Connecticut Storrs CT USA
| | - Bradley Pan‐Weisz
- Department of Psychology California State University, Long Beach Long Beach CA USA
| | - Elizabeth K. Lawner
- Department of Psychological Sciences University of Connecticut Storrs CT USA
| | - Diane M. Quinn
- Department of Psychological Sciences University of Connecticut Storrs CT USA
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12
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Foran AM, O'Donnell AT, Muldoon OT. Stigma of eating disorders and recovery-related outcomes: A systematic review. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2020; 28:385-397. [PMID: 32219911 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People with eating disorders (EDs) tend to engage in behaviours that are ordinarily perceived as normal in society, such as restrictive dieting. However, when people are diagnosed with an ED, they may often feel stigmatized, which is likely to act as a barrier to recovery. To date, there is a limited understanding of how stigma of EDs impacts recovery-related outcomes. METHOD A systematic search was performed using PsychINFO and PubMed. Multiple combined searches of terms relating to stigma, EDs, and recovery-related outcomes were conducted. PRISMA guidelines were followed throughout the selection process and resulted in nine studies meeting specific inclusion criteria. The extracted data are examined in a critical narrative synthesis. RESULTS Our review suggested that across different samples and measures, stigmatization of EDs is negatively related to a range of factors important for recovery. These include psychological, social and physical health outcomes, ED psychopathology and treatment-seeking behaviours. CONCLUSIONS Based on the quality assessment, it was concluded that future research would benefit from the use of research designs that can demonstrate causality and generalize findings across community samples. Therefore, in order to improve recovery-related outcomes, treatment plans must consider the type of ED stigma experienced and its relation with specific recovery-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife-Marie Foran
- Centre for Social Issues Research, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
| | - Aisling T O'Donnell
- Centre for Social Issues Research, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
| | - Orla T Muldoon
- Centre for Social Issues Research, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
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Explaining Health Disparities between Heterosexual and LGB Adolescents by Integrating the Minority Stress and Psychological Mediation Frameworks: Findings from the TRAILS Study. J Youth Adolesc 2020; 49:1767-1782. [PMID: 32076922 PMCID: PMC7423798 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-020-01206-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adolescents experience elevated levels of internalizing problems and use more substances than heterosexual adolescents. The minority stress and psychological mediation framework are complementary theoretical frameworks that were developed to explain these disparities. However, limited empirical research has integrated both frameworks to study health disparities between heterosexual and LGB adolescents. This study attempts such an integration, using data from the first five waves (participant age 11-22) of the TRacking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), a cohort study of Dutch adolescents (N = 1738; 151 LGB; 54.8% girls). It was tested whether an LGB identity was linked to internalizing problems and substance use through a serial mediation process, in which sexual identity would be associated with peer victimization and negative relationships with parents (first set of mediators, in keeping with the minority stress framework), which in turn would be associated with fear of negative social evaluation and a lack of social support (second set of mediators, in keeping with the psychological mediation framework), and eventually increasing the risk for internalizing problems and elevated levels of substance use. Moreover, it was tested whether the link between minority stress and substance use was mediated by peers' substance use levels, as hypothesized by the psychological mediation framework. Compared to heterosexual participants, LGB participants reported more internalizing problems, smoked more cigarettes, and used more marijuana, but did not consume more alcohol. The relation between sexual identity and internalizing problems was mediated by peer victimization and parental rejection, which is in line with the minority stress framework. No statistically significant support was found for the psychological mediation framework. These findings provide a better understanding of the pathways through which sexual identity disparities in mental wellbeing and substance use come about.
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Brooks BD, Job SA, Clark EA, Todd EA, Williams SL. Concealment as a moderator of anticipated stigma and psychiatric symptoms. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2020.1721037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Byron D. Brooks
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah A. Job
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily A. Clark
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emerson A. Todd
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Stacey L. Williams
- Social Issues and Relations Lab, Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
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15
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Mousley VL, Chaudoir SR. Deaf Stigma: Links Between Stigma and Well-Being Among Deaf Emerging Adults. JOURNAL OF DEAF STUDIES AND DEAF EDUCATION 2018; 23:341-350. [PMID: 29860386 DOI: 10.1093/deafed/eny018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Although stigma has been linked to suboptimal psychological and physical health outcomes in marginalized communities such as persons of color, sexual minorities, and people living with HIV/AIDS, no known research has examined these effects among deaf individuals. In the present research, we examine the associations between anticipated, enacted, and internalized stigma and psychological well-being (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety) and physical well-being (i.e., quality of life, alcohol use) among a sample of 171 deaf emerging adults. Furthermore, we consider whether trait resilience and benefit-finding moderate these effects. Enacted stigma, but not anticipated or internalized stigma, was related to worse depressive symptoms, anxiety, and quality of life. However, none of these variables predicted alcohol use and neither resilience nor benefit-finding moderated these effects. These findings are consistent with other research among marginalized populations, though they are also the first to suggest that experiences of discrimination are related to suboptimal well-being among deaf emerging adults. The discussion considers how these findings may illuminate the potential causes of disparities in well-being between hearing and deaf emerging adults.
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Davern J, O’Donnell AT. Stigma predicts health-related quality of life impairment, psychological distress, and somatic symptoms in acne sufferers. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205009. [PMID: 30265724 PMCID: PMC6161901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acne vulgaris has been associated with deficits in psychological well-being and health-related quality of life. Few studies have investigated how stigma contributes to our understanding of the well-being of acne sufferers, although it is clear that acne is stigmatized and stigmatization is associated with impaired well-being. The current study aimed to investigate the ability of perceived stigma to predict health-related quality of life, psychological distress, and somatic symptoms over and above established predictors. University students and staff suffering from acne completed self-report measures online. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that perceived stigma significantly contributed to the prediction of all three well-being measures, over and above the effects of gender, acne severity, acne location, and use of medication. Indeed, perceived stigma made the largest unique contribution to predicting well-being. Our findings suggest that interventions that attempt to counter stigma could also improve the overall well-being of people affected by acne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Davern
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Social Issues Research, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
| | - Aisling T. O’Donnell
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Social Issues Research, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
- * E-mail:
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Abbott DM, Mollen D. Atheism as a Concealable Stigmatized Identity: Outness, Anticipated Stigma, and Well-Being. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0011000018792669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In a preliminary exploration of atheists using a concealable stigmatized identity framework, we investigated outness, identity magnitude, anticipated stigma, and psychological and physical well-being. Atheists ( N = 1,024) in the United States, completed measures of outness, atheist identity magnitude, anticipated stigma, and psychological and physical well-being online. Consistent with predictions, we found small but significant associations between (a) anticipated stigma and well-being, (b) social components of atheist identity magnitude and outness as well as well-being, and (c) outness and well-being. A significant and moderate association was found between anticipated stigma and outness. There were significant, small indirect effects of ingroup ties, a social component of atheist identity magnitude, on psychological and physical well-being via outness; and of ingroup affect, another social component of magnitude, on psychological well-being via disclosure of atheist identity. Implications for research, practice, and training are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena M. Abbott
- Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, USA
- Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX, USA
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O’Donnell AT, O’Carroll T, Toole N. Internalized Stigma and Stigma-Related Isolation Predict Women’s Psychological Distress and Physical Health Symptoms Post-Abortion. PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN QUARTERLY 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0361684317748937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have provided evidence that accessing abortion relates to anticipated, experienced, and internalized stigma. These aspects of stigma have previously been associated with increased psychological distress and physical health symptoms. However, there has been no research on how anticipation, perception, internalization, and stigma-related isolation are related to psychological distress and somatic (physical) symptoms. We examined this question in an online volunteer sample of women in Ireland ( N = 155) who have had an abortion. Internalized stigma and stigma-related isolation significantly predicted higher levels of psychological distress, and internalized stigma also significantly predicted somatic symptoms. The direct effect of each type of stigma on somatic symptoms was mediated by psychological distress. Thus, to the extent that women had internalized greater stigma and isolated themselves, they also reported increased psychological distress, and this psychological distress predicted increased somatic symptoms. The relation between internalized stigma and somatic symptoms was also moderated by stigma-related isolation. Our findings complement and extend the existing literature on the relations between stigmatized identities, psychological distress, and physical health problems, particularly regarding women who have accessed abortion. They also indicate that those involved in policy-making and activism around reproductive rights should avoid inadvertently increasing the stigma surrounding abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling T. O’Donnell
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
- Centre for Social Issues Research, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Tara O’Carroll
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
| | - Natasha Toole
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
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