A mixed method examination: how stigma experienced by autistic adults relates to metrics of social identity and social functioning

Frontiers in Psychiatry

Psychiatry

Karrah Bowman¹  Gina Thomas¹  Ashley J. Harrison¹  Alex Marion² 

[1] Department of Educational Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States;Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States;

关键词: stigma;    autism;    social identity;    self-esteem;    self-efficacy;    social satisfaction;    neurodiversity;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1243618

 received in 2023-06-21, accepted in 2023-09-29,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

A recent meta-analysis reveals almost half of autistic individuals experience some form of victimization in their lifetime, including bullying and other forms of stigma. Research among caregivers of autistic individuals demonstrates that stigma can have a long-lasting impact on other aspects of a social identity, such as self-esteem, but less research has specifically examined this among autistic adults themselves, in spite of research suggesting these are likely constructs that contribute to the internalization of stigma and subsequent mental health consequences. The current study used a mixed method approach to assess the relation between stigma and several components of social identity and social functioning. More specifically, among 45 autistic young adults, three dimensions of self-reported stigma (discrimination, disclosure, and positive aspects) were examined in relation to self-esteem, self-efficacy, social satisfaction and adaptive social functioning. Quantitative analyses revealed higher reported discriminative and disclosure stigma were significantly associated with lower self-efficacy. Increased experience with all types of stigma were associated with lower social satisfaction. Greater reported disclosure stigma was also associated with lower self-esteem. Qualitative interviewing among eight autistic young adults helped to better understand the nature of stigma and the impact of these experiences. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed that all of the participants experienced stigma in the form of exclusion or isolation and that a majority also experienced verbal bullying. Many of the negative interactions came from educators, peers, and family members. Most participants indicated that these stigmatizing interactions directly contributed to decreased social satisfaction, diminished self-efficacy, and lowered self-esteem. A greater understanding of the negative consequences of stigma can inform efforts to increase awareness and acceptance of autism.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
Copyright © 2023 Marion, Bowman, Thomas and Harrison.