The psychological implications of concealing a stigma: a cognitive-affective-behavioral model.
Many assume that individuals with a hidden stigma escape the difficulties faced by individuals with a visible stigma. However, recent research has shown that individuals with a concealable stigma also face considerable stressors and psychological challenges. The ambiguity of social situations combined with the threat of potential discovery makes possessing a concealable stigma a difficult predicament for many individuals. The increasing amount of research on concealable stigmas necessitates a cohesive model for integrating relevant findings. This article offers a cognitive-affective-behavioral process model for understanding the psychological implications of concealing a stigma. It ends with discussion of potential points of intervention in the model as well as potential future routes for investigation of the model.
Pachankis
John E
JE
Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA. John.Pachankis@sunysb.edu
D000275:Adjustment Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D000339:Affect; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D013240:Stereotyping; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D014342:Truth Disclosure