The psychological implications of concealing a stigma: A cognitive-affective-behavioral model.

2007/03/01 by John E. Pachankis · 1,300 citations
Psychology · #Ambiguity #Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development #Clinical psychology #Cognition #Cognitive psychology #Cultural Differences and Values #Developmental psychology #Mental Health Treatment and Access #Psychiatry #Psychology #Social psychology #Stigma (botany) #Stressor

paper · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.133.2.328

published in Psychological Bulletin 133(2), 328-345 (American Psychological Association)

openalex publication_date 2007/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04

Abstract

Many assume that individuals with a hidden stigma escape the difficulties faced by individuals with a visible stigma. However, recent research has shown that individuals with a concealable stigma also face considerable stressors and psychological challenges. The ambiguity of social situations combined with the threat of potential discovery makes possessing a concealable stigma a difficult predicament for many individuals. The increasing amount of research on concealable stigmas necessitates a cohesive model for integrating relevant findings. This article offers a cognitive-affective-behavioral process model for understanding the psychological implications of concealing a stigma. It ends with discussion of potential points of intervention in the model as well as potential future routes for investigation of the model.

Citations

• Perceived Support, Received Support, and Adjustment to Stressful Life Events
• Paradoxical effects of thought suppression.
• Self-Regulation and Self-Presentation: Regulatory Resource Depletion Impairs Impression Management and Effortful Self-Presentation Depletes Regulatory Resources.
• Predicting Self‐Esteem, Well‐Being, and Distress in a Cohort of Gay Men: The Importance of Cultural Stigma, Personal Visibility, Community Networks, and Positive Identity
• Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence.

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Related

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• Living with a concealable stigmatized identity: The impact of anticipated stigma, centrality, salience, and cultural stigma on psychological distress and health.
• Conceptualizing Stigma
• Structural stigma: Research evidence and implications for psychological science.
• Stigma: Advances in Theory and Research