Stigma and Supportive Communication in the Context of Mental or Emotional Distress

An Extension of the Paradox of Support Seeking in Close Relationships

Bibliographic Data

ID21424405
AuthorsRachael E Bishop (0000-0002-1685-3150, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA, corresponding author), Andrew C High (0000-0002-9397-6875, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA)
Year2025
Volume52
Issue8
Pages1007-1034
Publication date2025-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCommunication Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0093-6502 • E-ISSN: 1552-3810
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00936502231189811
OpenAlexW4385663215
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited64

Supportive communication can benefit people coping with the stigma that often accompanies mental or emotional distress; however, people might be reluctant to seek support effectively, if at all, for these types of stressors. Guided by the paradox of support seeking, this study expands understanding of how and why people seek support by examining multiple dimensions of stigma, exploring factors that hinder or facilitate people’s decision to seek support, and investigating nuanced support seeking behaviors in the context of mental or emotional distress. Results ( N = 406) revealed that internalization and visibility of stigma differentially impacted strategies people chose to seek support. Whereas visibility corresponded with direct seeking and more emotional content, internalized stigma was associated with avoidance. Perceived costs served as barriers to seeking support, and efficacy buffered against the negative consequences of stigma by encouraging direct seeking and allowing for greater depth and emotional content when seeking support

Coping (psychology) · Distress · Emotional support · Help-seeking · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Social support · Stigma (botany) · Attachment and Relationship Dynamics · Clinical Psychology · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Social Psychology