Maguire, Rebecca, Ahern, Aisling, Shrivastava, Sowmya and Maguire, Phil (2024) The experience of stigma and concealment in multiple sclerosis. Stigma and Health. ISSN 2376-6972
Preview
2025-56866-001.pdf
Download (420kB) | Preview
Abstract
Despite a growing acceptance of chronic health conditions, people with multiple sclerosis can experience
stigma. We aimed to understand the extent, nature, and predictors of stigma in multiple sclerosis (MS) and to
explore how this relates to MS concealment. A mixed-methods cross-sectional survey (n = 242), designed
with public and patient involvement, was conducted in October–November 2023. MS stigma was measured
using a nine-item scale, along with questions on stigma experiences and sources. Hierarchical regression
analysis explored sociodemographic, health, and psychosocial predictors of stigma, while reflexive thematic
analysis identified stigma experiences described. The hierarchical regression model predicted 70% of
variance in stigma scores, with stigma associated with higher loneliness (β = .38, p < .001), lower MS selfefficacy (β = −.21, p < .001), lower self-rated health (β = −.19, p < .001), female gender (β = −.16, p < .01),
progressive MS type (β = −.15, p < .01), and greater difficulty in making ends meet (β = −.13, p = .01).
Only 10% of participants had never experienced MS stigma, with themes of misunderstanding, isolation/
exclusion, unwanted inputs, accessibility struggles, medical disregard, and personal stigma described.
Higher anticipated stigma predicted higher levels of MS concealment. Overall openness of individual MS
symptoms varied, suggesting that some MS symptoms are more stigmatized than others. Findings highlight
how the experience of stigma in MS can take many different forms, with implications for MS disclosure.
While certain sociodemographic and health factors put people with multiple sclerosis at risk, interventions
that increase MS self-efficacy and reduce loneliness may also reduce stigma. Raising awareness of MS and
increasing accessibility of services offer ways in which stigma can be reduced at a societal level.
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Keywords: | stigma; multiple sclerosis; concealment; disclosure; loneliness; |
Academic Unit: | Assisting Living & Learning,ALL institute Faculty of Science and Engineering > Computer Science Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology |
Item ID: | 19267 |
Identification Number: | 10.1037/sah0000599 |
Depositing User: | Rebecca Maguire |
Date Deposited: | 13 Dec 2024 09:38 |
Journal or Publication Title: | Stigma and Health |
Publisher: | American Psychological Association |
Refereed: | Yes |
Related URLs: | |
URI: | https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/19267 |
Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here |
Repository Staff Only (login required)
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year