The Factorial Structure of Stigma and Its Targets

Abstract

Abstract. We aimed to determine (1) the attributes of multiple stigmatized populations, (2) whether Kurzban and Leary’s (2001) functional typology of stigma emerges and identifies the dimensions upon which each stigma type differs, and (3) the emotional responses toward emergent stigma types. Participants ( N = 2,674) were assigned to 1/52 stigma target conditions and their attitudes surveyed. Data were analyzed by multilevel factor analysis with stigma targets at Level 2. There were five within-factors at Level 1 (social competence, interpersonal access, social inclusion, immorality, perceived permanence) and three between-factors at Level 2 (interpersonal stigmatization, morality-based stigmatization, chronic stigmatization). Interpersonal stigmatization was predicted by disgust and pity, and morality-based stigmatization was predicted by disgust and [-]happiness, with no predictors for chronic stigmatization. These results support a functional typology of stigma.

Can ‘justified disapproval’ be separated from addiction stigma? An empirical focus is required.

“…Extreme caution is thus needed to avoid inadvertently sanctioning 'other condemning' via moral types of stigma motivated by anger and contempt (Dastani & Pankov, 2017;Oaten et al, 2022). As we have highlighted, the limited existence of evidence for constructive 'disapproval' effects appear particularly contingent on including meaningfully empathic and reintegrative components (Harris, 2006;Snoek et al, 2021), but these appear particularly counter to the broader force of addiction stigma.…”