Stigmatization: the socio-psychological aspects (Part 1)

According to the PsychInfo database analysis, conducted by B. Major and L. O'Brien [10], it is possible to discuss a “dramatic” increase of the number of articles in which attention is paid to the problem of stigma. During the period from 1965 to 1989, there were only 603 such papers, and in the period from 1990 to 2004 their number had increased almost 4 times to 2321. These indicators can be considered as evidence of this phenomenon being in the focus of researchers’ attention not only by chance, and as an indication of the relevance and importance of the study of problems of stigmatization. We have continued this line of analysis of PsychInfo database and we can state that the number of papers on the problems of stigma, published from 2005 to 2013, is 7674. Note that the processes of stigmatization are investigated in connection with the problems of mental and physical health. The main goal of our work is to consider a number of foreign social-psychological models, using which, the researchers explain the functions and mechanisms of stigma and study the mechanisms of negative impact on the stigmatized.

1. Biernat M., Dovidio J. Stigma and stereotypes// The social psychology of stigma/ Eds. by T. F. Heatherton, R. E. Kleck, M. R. Hebl, J. G. Hull.N.Y.:Guilford, p.88-125.
2. Chapman E. Conceptualisation of the body for people living with HIV // Sociology of Health and Illness, 2000, Vol. 22, N6, p. 840-857.
3. Cole S.W., Kemeny M. E.,Taylor S, E.,Visscher B. R. Elevated physical health risk among gay men who conceal their homosexual identity// Health Psychology, Vol 15,N4, 1996, p.243-251.
4. Crocker J., Major B., Steele C. Social stigma. // Handbook of social psychology / Eds. by D. Gilbert, S. T. Fiske, G. Lindzey Boston: McGraw-Hill, 1998, p.504-553.
5. Croker J., Major B. Social Stigma and self-esteem: The self-protective properties of stigma// Psychological Review, 1989, vol.96,4, 608-630.
6. Dijker A., Koomen W. Extending Weiner’s attribution-emotion model of stigmatization of ill person// Basic and applied social psychology, 2003, vol.25, N 1, p.51-68.
7. Goffmn I. Stigma: notes on the management of spoiled identity, N.Y.: Simon and Shuster, 1963.
8. Serek G.M., Capitanio J.P., Widaman K.F. HIV-related stigma and knowledge in the United States: prevalence and trends, 1991-1999// American journal of public health, 2002, vol.92, N 3, p.371-377.
9. Lane J.M., Wegner D.M. The cognitive consequences of secrecy// Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1995, 69, 237-253.
10. Major B., O’Brien L.T. The social psychology of stigma // Annual Review of Psychology, 2005, vol. 56, 393-442.
11. Parker R., Aggleton P.HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination: a conceptual framework and implications for action// Social science and medicine, 2003, vol.57, p.13-24.
12. Pennebaker J.W. Confession, inhibition and disease// Advances in experimental social psychology/ Ed. by L.Berkowitz, San Diego: Academic Press, 1989, p.211-244.
13. Pennebaker J.W. Putting stress into words: health, linguistic and therapeutic implications// Behavior research and therapy, 1993, vol.31, p.539-548.
14. Phelan J. C., Link B. G., Dovidio J. F.  Stigma and prejudice: One animal or two? // Social Science and Medicine, 2008, 68, 358-367.
15. Smart L., Wegner D. The hidden costs of hidden stigma //The social psychology of stigma/ Eds. by T. F. Heatherton, R. E. Kleck, M. R. Hebl, J. G. Hull.N.Y.:Guilford, p.220-242.
16. Wegner D. M., Lane J. D. From secrecy to psychopathology// Emotion, disclosure, and health/Ed. by J. W. Pennebaker. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 1995, p.25-46.