Perceived stigma among people with chronic health conditions: the influence of age, stressor exposure, and psychosocial resources.

OBJECTIVES

This study addresses whether age, functional limitation and other stressor exposure, and psychosocial coping resources influence variation in perceived stigma and the form this influence takes (i.e., independent and/or interdependent).

METHODS

Using data from two waves of a large community study of adults (age 20-93) with chronic health conditions (n = 417), a residual change regression analysis considers direct and moderating factors influencing perceived stigma over a 3-year period.

RESULTS

Age, functional limitation, the experience of discrimination, and self-esteem independently account for variation in perceived stigma. Moderation tests reveal that age is associated with a greater increase in stigma in the context of greater functional limitation and increases in limitation. Functional limitation and stressor exposure are also associated with declines in stigma in the context of greater mastery and self-esteem.

DISCUSSION

Multiple processes bear on perceived stigma among people with chronic health conditions. Implications for stigma and stress research are discussed.