In a recent article in New England Psychologist, Stephenie Chaudoir, assistant professor of psychology, explains her research on concealable stigmatized identities (CSIs).
CSIs are a class of experiences, identities, and characteristics that are often socially devalued but can be concealed. Mental illness, physical abuse, and drug addiction are all examples of CSIs. Chaudoir expresses that the main difference between living with a visible stigma versus a concealable stigma is disclosure. A concealable stigma can often put more burden on individuals with CSIs because ultimately they have control over with whom and when to share this information. This decision can lead to additional stress for the individual.
Chaudoir received a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to research disclosure and how chronic concerns about rejection and an individual's community can impact health among those with CSIs. Her study includes more than 100 college students from Holy Cross, Clark and WPI, and uses a variety of measures and self-report surveys to note the experience of rejection and the worries associated with a stigma. The study is also measuring physical health and mental functioning.
“My working theory is that how stressful this experience is, is most likely a product of both the person and their culture,” Chaudoir says. “Assuming we have people who have similar concerns about rejection, the culture will matter.”
Related Information
- Stephenie Chaudoir - What Makes People Sick? Psychologist Says It Isn’t Always Obvious
This "Holy Cross in the News" item by Kelly Ethier.
