Relationship between number of disability-related conditions and stigma among U.S. adults.

Abstract

Purpose/Objective Research: Stigma is a common experience for people with disabilities. Stigmatization may lead to disparities in education, employment, and health care, quality of life, and psychological distress. This study’s purpose was to (a) determine the relationship between number of disability conditions and stigma for adults with disabilities; and (b) examine whether identifying as a person with a disability, noticeability of a disability or gender moderate relationship between number of disability conditions and stigma. Research Method/Design: We from the Disability Health Identity survey, originally collected in 2017 (n = 711). Results: Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated the association between number of disability conditions and stigma was not significant (.567). However, the association between number of disability conditions and stigma was modified by noticeability (p = .007). The relationship between number of disability conditions and stigma was stronger for people with more noticeable disabilities. Conclusion/Implications: This research is important because it increases understanding of factors that may play a role in stigma experiences for people with disabilities.

Chronic illness and disability among sexual minority persons: Exploring the roles of proximal minority stress, adaptation, and quality of life.

“…Proximal minority stress, a form of self-stigma, was associated with quality of life functioning for sexual minority persons living with CIDs. This finding is consistent with other studies that found various forms of stigma were associated with the quality of life for persons living with CIDs (Char & Bogart, 2022; Degnan et al, 2021; Logie et al, 2018; Mayor et al, 2022) and sexual minority persons (Austin et al, 2017; Fredrick et al, 2020). In this study, internalized heterosexism negatively predicted intrapersonal functioning, such as one's ability to engage in activities of daily living (e.g., walking, grooming, bathing, dressing, toileting, etc.).…”

“…Quality of life is a highly relevant construct for persons living with CIDs (Busija et al, 2017) and sexual minority persons DISPENZA 2 (Vosvick & Stem, 2019). Further, and to varying degrees, stigma is associated with the quality of life for those living with multiple CID conditions (Char & Bogart, 2022;Degnan et al, 2021;Logie et al, 2018;Mayor et al, 2022). Additionally, researchers have reported a relation between stigma and quality of life for sexual minority persons (Austin et al, 2017;Fredrick et al, 2020).…”