title: Testing the Model of Stigma Communication with a Factorial Experiment in an Interpersonal Context.
abstract: Stigmas may regulate intergroup relationships; they may also influence interpersonal actions. This study extends the previous test of the model of stigma communication (Smith, 2012) with a factorial experiment in which the outcomes refer to a hypothetical acquaintance. New affective reactions, sympathy and frustration, and a new personality trait, disgust sensitivity, were explored. In addition, perceived severity and susceptibility of the infection were included as alternative mechanisms explaining the effects. The results (n= 318) showed that message content, message reactions (emotional and cognitive), and disgust sensitivity predicted intentions to regulate the infected acquaintance's interactions and lifestyle (R2= .79) and participants' likelihood of telling others about the acquaintance's infection (R2= .35). The findings generally provided support for MSC and directions for improvement.
authors.affiliation: The Pennsylvania State University.
authors.forename: Rachel A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Smith
keywords: experiment; infectious disease; interpersonal communication; stigma