Bl. Fife et Er. Wright, The dimensionality of stigma: A comparison of its impact on the self of persons with HIV/AIDS and cancer, J HEALTH SO, 41(1), 2000, pp. 50-67
Does the impact of stigma on the self differ by illness type? This study fo
cuses on a comparison of the effects of the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS
and cancer on self-esteem, body image, and personal control. We test the h
ypothesis that individuals' perceptions of stigma account for significant d
ifferences in the impact of an illness on the self: We examine four dimensi
ons of perceived stigma: social rejection, internalized shame, social isola
tion, and financial insecurity. In turn,we consider how these dimensions me
dicate the effects of HIV/AIDS and cancer. Our sample includes 130 persons
with HIV/AIDS arm 76 persons with cancer. We control for illness severity b
y including a measure of functional health status that is based on particip
ants' subjective perspectives of the severity of their symptomatology. Our
findings provide additional support for modified labeling theory; however;
our findings also point to the dimensionality of stigma and its differentia
l negative impact on particular elements of the self; regardless of illness
type.