Insights into stigma management communication theory: Considering stigmatization as interpersonal influence

Area of Science:

• Communication Studies
• Social Psychology
• Health Communication

Background:

• Stigma management communication theory identifies tactics but lacks predictor insights.
• Stigmatization can be viewed as interpersonal influence, aiming to persuade targets to accept marginalized social status.
• The obstacle hypothesis offers a framework for understanding resistance to interpersonal influence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of stigma management strategies by examining stigmatization as interpersonal influence.
• To apply the obstacle hypothesis to understand resistance to stigmatization.
• To explore the relationship between personal factors and stigma management tactics.

Main Methods:

• Survey research with 124 participants at risk for stigmatization due to genetic health conditions.
• Analysis of participants' memories of initial test disclosures for chronic health conditions.
• Utilizing the obstacle hypothesis to derive and test predictors of stigma management.

Main Results:

• A stronger sense of meaning in life, more unsafe experiences, and a broader information network predicted resistance to stigmatization.
• Feelings of guilt were associated with increased use of avoidance strategies, such as secrecy.
• Specific predictors for both resisting and engaging in stigma management tactics were identified.

Conclusions:

• Personal factors like meaning in life and information network size are crucial for resisting stigmatization.
• Guilt influences the adoption of avoidance behaviors in managing stigmatization.
• Implications for resilience research include strengthening meaning in life and argumentation skills to combat stigma.