Shame and stigma as predictors of psychological dysfunction among HIV / AIDS and cancer patients

Abstract

This study is aimed at exploring the influence of shame and stigma on the psychological functioning of HIV/AIDS and cancer patients. Four hypotheses were stated and they are: 1. There will be a difference on the scores of shame and stigma and psychological functioning between HIV/AIDS and cancer patients. 2. Patients who experience shame and stigma are more likely to experience psychological dysfunction than those who do not. 3. Females will experience more shame and stigma, and then consequently report more psychological dysfunctions than males. 4. There will be a difference on the scores of shame and stigma and psychological functioning between age groups. Method: This study used a quantitative research design. A convenient sample of 100 HIV and cancer patients from different race, ethnicities, genders and age groups participated in this study. Statistical tests used to measure the results included means and ANOVAs. Results: Results revealed that HIV patients do experience more enacted stigma and anxiety than cancer patients. Enacted stigma and perceived community stigma were associated with anxiety, and depression. Females experienced more enacted stigma than males whiles males and internal felt stigma than females. There were age differences in the experience of somatic symptoms and internal felt stigma. Conclusion: Recommendation included that shame and stigma be addressed through stress management and the community counselling model.