Understanding affiliate stigma faced by heterosexual family and friends of LGB people: A measurement development study.

Abstract

The present study describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Affiliate Stigma Measure (LGB-ASM). Existing qualitative research and feedback from experts in stigma research contributed to the development of 48 items that were subjected to psychometric evaluation resulting in the final 17-item measure. Exploratory factor analysis of data from 471 LGB affiliates (family members and close friends of LGB individuals) resulted in 3 factors reflecting experiences of LGB affiliate stigma including (a) public discrimination/rejection affiliate stigma, (b) vicarious affiliate stigma, and (c) public shame affiliate stigma. Confirmatory factor analysis of data from a separate 101 participants supported the stability of the 3-factor model. Further psychometric evaluation of the measure resulted in evidence supporting the reliability (i.e., Cronbach's alphas of .71 to .93), convergent validity (i.e., with stigma consciousness, r = .17 to .45; with awareness of public devaluation, r = .18 to .28), and discriminant validity (i.e., with socially desirable responding, r = -.16 to .05). The final 17-item LGB-ASM yielded 2-to 3-week test-retest reliability coefficients of .74 to .76 with a sample of 61 participants. Exploratory links between the LGB-ASM and psychological distress (using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-21) were evaluated.

Vicarious Stigma and Self-Stigma Experienced by Parents of Children with Mental Health and/or Neurodevelopmental Disorders

“…Internalized stereotypes undermine self-esteem, which subsequently leads to increased depression and diminished quality of life (QoL) (Corrigan, Bink, Schmidt, Jones, & Rusch, 2016 ; Mak & Cheung, 2008 , 2012 ). Parents have also been found to suffer when they witness their child with mental health and/or neurodevelopmental disorder experience stigma (Corrigan & Miller, 2004 ; Robinson & Brewster, 2016 ; Struening et al, 2001 ; Wahl & Harman, 1989 ). Thus, parents may also experience a form of stigma that uniquely reflects the special relationship with their child: vicarious stigma.…”

Assessing the Social Impact of Mental Health Service Accessibility by a Nonprofit Social Enterprise: A Mixed--methods Case Study

“…Experiences of stigma have been shown to cause internalized self-judgement in individuals who experience symptomology, resulting in self-stigma and lower self-esteem (Corrigan, 2004). Conversely, studies have shown that individuals with either personal experience of mental health challenges and/or experience of mental health challenges within close social groups are more likely to hold lower stigmatizing views than those who do not have these experiences (Dyrbye et al, 2015;Morgan, Reavley, Jorm, & Beatson, 2017;Pedersen & Paves;Robinson & Brewster, 2016). Other divergent effects may be witnessed among demographic groups.…”

“…A second variable identified in the literature review as a salient contributor to reducing mental health stigma is experience with mental health issues, both personally (Dyrbye et al, 2015;Pedersen & Paves, 2014) and/or with a close family member or friend (Morgan, Reavley, Jorm, & Beatson, 2017;Robinson & Brewster, 2016). Related personal experiences provide insight into challenges associated with mental health (Conchar & Repper, 2014;Oats, Drey, & Jones, 2017), often leading to a more compassionate perception of people who seek support for mental wellness (Robertson, Carpenter, Donovan-Hall, & Bartlett, 2019).…”

Revealing one’s Homosexuality to the Family: An Integrative Review of the Scientifi c Literature

“…It should be noted that the families that received this type of support were able to cope better with the changes in the family environment (Etengoff & Daiute, 2013;Puckett, Woodward, Mereish, & Pantalone, 2015). In families that are more adaptable the disclosure is more relaxed, with a greater possibility of acceptance (Robinson & Brewster, 2016;Silva et al, 2015;Willoughby, Malik, & Lindahl, 2006).…”