Stigma is a mark of shame, disgrace, or social disapproval associated with certain characteristics, behaviors, or identities that are perceived as deviant or undesirable by society.
Stigma is a negative social label or mark that deeply discredits a person or group, leading to discrimination, prejudice, and social exclusion.
It’s when society attaches shame or disapproval to certain characteristics, conditions, or identities.
Stigma occurs when people are labeled based on a distinguishing characteristic, then stereotyped negatively, separated into “us vs. them” categories, and ultimately experience discrimination and loss of status.
It describes the negative attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviors directed toward individuals or groups because of perceived differences such as race, illness, mental health status, sexuality, or disability.
Stigma is deeply discrediting, reducing a person from a whole and usual individual to one tainted and discounted by society.
Existential stigma arises from conditions beyond one’s control.
Achieved stigma resulting from perceived personal behavior or choices (addiction or criminal record).
Public stigma -Negative stereotypes shared and reinforced by society.
Self-stigma-Internalization of societal prejudice, leading to shame or low self-worth.
Structural stigma -Discriminatory policies or institutional practices that marginalize certain groups.
Associative stigma-Bias toward those connected to stigmatized individuals (e.g., family members).
Health practitioner stigma: Negative bias by healthcare providers toward patients with certain conditions.
Stigma can lead to marginalization, discrimination, and severe psychological impact of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Stigma discourages help-seeking behavior—for example, people with mental illness may delay or avoid treatment due to fear of judgment.
Encouraging accurate awareness and empathetic understanding in healthcare, the media, and communities can help dismantle stereotypes and promote equity.
Health-related stigma-mental illness, HIV/AIDS, addiction, obesity
Social stigma-poverty, homelessness, criminal history
Identity-based stigma- race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity
Courtesy/associative stigma- affecting family members or caregivers of stigmatized individuals
Stigma can lead to shame, isolation, reduced opportunities, avoidance of seeking help, lower self-esteem, and worse health outcomes.
People may internalize stigma, believing negative stereotypes about themselves.