Rethinking theoretical approaches to stigma: A Framework Integrating Normative Influences on Stigma (FINIS)

Abstract

A resurgence of research and policy efforts on stigma both facilitates and forces a reconsideration of the levels and types of factors that shape reactions to persons with conditions that engender prejudice and discrimination. Focusing on the case of mental illness but drawing from theories and studies of stigma across the social sciences, we propose a framework that brings together theoretical insights from micro, meso and macro level research: Framework Integrating Normative Influences on Stigma (FINIS) starts with Goffman's notion that understanding stigma requires a language of social relationships, but acknowledges that individuals do not come to social interaction devoid of affect and motivation. Further, all social interactions take place in a context in which organizations, media and larger cultures structure normative expectations which create the possibility of marking "difference". Labelling theory, social network theory, the limited capacity model of media influence, the social psychology of prejudice and discrimination, and theories of the welfare state all contribute to an understanding of the complex web of expectations shaping stigma. FINIS offers the potential to build a broad-based scientific foundation based on understanding the effects of stigma on the lives of persons with mental illness, the resources devoted to the organizations and families who care for them, and policies and programs designed to combat stigma. We end by discussing the clear implications this framework holds for stigma reduction, even in the face of conflicting results.

Publically Misfitting: Extreme Weight and the Everyday Production and Reinforcement of Felt Stigma

“…2013; Link and Phelan 2001, 2006; Martin et al. 2008; Pescosolido 2013). Both can potentially create the types of stress and distress that, over the long term, become embedded and incorporated into the body, producing health differentials (Horton and Barker 2010).…”

“…2013; Martin et al. 2008; McCullough 2013; Pescosolido 2013). At the same time, however, evidence indicates that spatial and structural factors are also important.…”

Psychosocial Functioning in Bipolar Disorder from a Social Justice Perspective

“…In the U.S., both the Surgeon General and the Department of Defense have identified current stigma against people with MI as one of the most serious barriers to the nation's mental health (Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health, 2007;Surgeon General, 1999). There is also evidence that stigma against people with MI has grown since 1950, despite greater scientific insights into the phenomenon of MI and the relatively widespread acceptance of these insights by the public (Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 2011;Corrigan & Wassel, 2008;Corrigan et al, 2011;Mehta et al, 2009;Pescosolido, Martin, Lang, & Olafsdottir, 2008;Silton, Flannelly, Milstein, & Vaaler, 2011;Star, 1952Star, , 1955. Recent surveys finding an upward trend in stigmatizing people with MI have inspired large-scale investigations of this stigma and its consequences.…”

“…Finally, the perceiver responds with behavior based on the assumption that these stereotypical group characteristics are true with respect to the marked person (Corrigan, 2004;Corrigan & Wassel, 2008;B. G. Link et al, 2004;Pescosolido et al, 2008).…”

“…In this context, the term "prejudice" refers to the adoption of a stereotype as truth with respect to individual members of a stigmatized group, as in step two of the model (Pescosolido et al, 2008). "Discrimination" is defined as a behavior resulting from prejudice that negatively impacts members of the stigmatized group, or step three in the model (Corrigan, 2004 (American Psychologist)).…”