The psychological impact of genital herpes stigma.
This article reviews the psychological consequences of genital herpes infection through the lens of a recently proposed framework for conceptualizing concealable stigmas. We incorporate research on identity, stigma, and the connection between psychological and physical health to outline how negative stigma-related psychological consequences perpetuate distress associated with genital herpes. Our review of the research suggests a model linking negative affect and poor coping to frequent recurrences of genital herpes outbreaks. Frequent outbreaks, in turn, increase the salience of the stigma, reinforcing a stigmatized self-schema, thereby creating negative psychological consequences, continuing the cycle. We conclude by discussing the implications of this model for future research and mental health treatment.
Merin
Abigail
A
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Rousso Bldg. 142, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. amerin@yu.edu
Pachankis
John E
JE
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D012008:Recurrence; D012649:Self Concept; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping