Psychosocial impact of laryngectomy mediated by perceived stigma and illness intrusiveness

In addition to prolonging life, successful treatment by laryngectomy also results in functional disability (loss of speech) and physical disfigurement (stoma). It was hypothesized that these after-effects contribute to perceived stigma which, in turn, compromises quality of life. The hypothesis that the psychosocial impact of perceived stigma operates through illness intrusiveness--illness-induced disruptions that interfere with continued involvements in valued activities and interests--was tested. Data were collected from 51 laryngectomy recipients via standardized interviews. As hypothesized, results indicated that: 1. both perceived stigma and illness intrusiveness are related to psychosocial well-being and emotional distress; 2. illness intrusiveness mediates the relation between perceived stigma and psychosocial outcomes; 3. the psychosocial impact of illness intrusiveness is most devastating in the context of highly stigmatized self-perception; and 4. unique profiles of illness intrusiveness across individual life domains may be associated with specific psychosocial outcomes. Findings are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that illness intrusiveness is a common underlying determinant of the psychosocial impact of chronic illness.