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Concealable Stigmatized Identities and Psychological Well-Being
Diane M Quinn1, Valerie A Earnshaw
1University of Connecticut.
Social and Personality Psychology Compass
|June 5, 2013
Summary
People with concealable stigmatized identities may experience less psychological distress if their identity has smaller magnitude, even with negative content. This research explores identity components and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Psychology of Identity
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Many individuals possess concealable stigmatized identities, which are socially devalued and can be hidden.
- Understanding the psychological impact of these identities on well-being is crucial for mental health.
- Existing research indicates a link between negative identity content and psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a model of concealable stigmatized identities, encompassing valenced content and magnitude.
- To explore how components like internalized stigma, discrimination, and identity centrality influence psychological well-being.
- To identify potential buffering effects of identity magnitude on distress related to negative identity content.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on concealable stigmatized identities and their psychological correlates.
- Analysis of identity components: valenced content (stigma, discrimination, positive information) and magnitude (centrality, salience).
- Examination of the relationship between these components and psychological distress.
Main Results:
- Negatively valenced content of concealable stigmatized identities is associated with increased psychological distress.
- A smaller identity magnitude (centrality and salience) may mitigate or buffer the negative effects of valenced content.
- The interplay between identity content and magnitude significantly impacts psychological well-being.
Conclusions:
- The model provides a framework for understanding the complex relationship between concealable stigmatized identities and mental health.
- Identity magnitude may serve as a protective factor against psychological distress, even when facing stigma.
- Future research should further investigate these dynamics to inform interventions and support strategies.
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