Advancing Research on the Spread of Stigmatizing Beliefs With Insights From Rumor Transmission

Bibliographic Data

ID3756593
AuthorsXun Zhu (0000-0003-1000-8324, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA, corresponding author), Rachel Smith (0000-0002-6838-1319, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA), Rachel A Smith (0000-0003-0392-3735, Pennsylvania State University)
Year2016
Volume60
Issue11
Pages1342-1361
Publication date2016-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Behavioral Scientist (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0002-7642 • E-ISSN: 1552-3381
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0002764216657382
OpenAlexW2470476129
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited88

The essay examined a commonly stated but rarely elaborated assumption in stigma theories: Stigma must be socialized to engender community-level marginalization and discrimination. Existing research has focused on intrapersonal processes and structural factors that promote stigma socialization, but much less is known about how interpersonal sharing messages that induce stigmatization (i.e., stigma appeals) contributes to the diffusion and adoption of stigma throughout a community. Drawing from theories and research on rumor transmission, the essay explored three questions: Why do people share stigma appeals with others; what do they say; and with whom do they share them? The essay highlighted directions for future research on interpersonal sharing of stigma appeals and provided a heuristic foundation for research into mechanisms through which stigma is created and becomes persistent

Interpersonal communication · Intrapersonal communication · Political science · Public relations · Rumor · Socialization · Stigma (botany) · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Gender, Feminism, and Media · Media Influence and Health · Psychology · Social Psychology

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