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. 2013 Apr;18(4):451-60.
doi: 10.1177/1359105312446768. Epub 2012 Jun 11.

A preliminary evaluation of internalized stigma and stigma resistance in inflammatory bowel disease

Tiffany H Taft  1 , Sarah Ballou, Laurie Keefer
Affiliations

A preliminary evaluation of internalized stigma and stigma resistance in inflammatory bowel disease

Tiffany H Taft et al. J Health Psychol. 2013 Apr.

Abstract

Illness stigmatization among inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is poorly understood. We aim to characterize internalized stigma and stigma resistance in IBD patients, and evaluate their relationships to outcomes. A total of 191 IBD patients reported internalized stigma, resistance, demographic and clinical information, and several outcomes: health-related quality of life (HRQOL), psychological distress, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Overall 36% experienced internalized stigma and 88% moderate to high stigma resistance behaviors. Internalized stigma strongly related to poorer outcomes while resistance demonstrated a weaker, opposite effect. Internalized stigma and stigma resistance are important considerations for IBD outcomes. Interventions to reduce internalized stigma and leverage resistance are warranted.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests None declared.

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