A preliminary evaluation of internalized stigma and stigma resistance in inflammatory bowel disease.
Illness stigmatization among inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is poorly understood. We aim to characterize internalized stigma and stigma resistance in IBD patients, and evaluate their relationships to outcomes. A total of 191 IBD patients reported internalized stigma, resistance, demographic and clinical information, and several outcomes: health-related quality of life (HRQOL), psychological distress, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Overall 36% experienced internalized stigma and 88% moderate to high stigma resistance behaviors. Internalized stigma strongly related to poorer outcomes while resistance demonstrated a weaker, opposite effect. Internalized stigma and stigma resistance are important considerations for IBD outcomes. Interventions to reduce internalized stigma and leverage resistance are warranted.
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. ttaft@northwestern.edu
Tiffany H
TH
Taft
Sarah
S
Ballou
Laurie
L
Keefer
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012752:Shame; D057545:Social Stigma; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States