What is it about?
Individuals might internalize negative stereotypes about their mental or physical chronic health conditions. When examining how internalized stigma relates to stress and quality of life domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental) across an academic year, greater internalized stigma was associated with worse physical and psychological quality of life as well as greater stress, even after controlling for coping and demographic/academic characteristics.
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Why is it important?
This study demonstrates that the presence of internalized stigma is a good indicator of greater stress and worse physical and psychological functioning. In addition, addressing internalized stigma may promote better quality of life in students with mental and/or physical chronic health conditions. Given that internalized stigma was associated with quality of life and stress assessed at the same time, the findings suggest that a better understanding of the development of internalized stigma may help future efforts in addressing internalization of negative stereotypes.
Perspectives
Internalized stigma is a complicated process that likely develops over time and through several mechanisms. A clearer understanding of its development may widely benefit those who struggle with negative beliefs about themselves because they equate a disorder label to their capability, worth, and so on.
Kevin Criswell
Eastern Washington University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Effects of internalized stigma on quality of life and stress in undergraduate students with chronic health conditions., Stigma and Health, May 2024, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/sah0000539.
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