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J Behav Med (2013) 36:270282 DOI 10.1007/s10865-012-9422-4
Development and psychometric evaluation of the Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale
Valerie A. Earnshaw Diane M. Quinn
Seth C. Kalichman Crystal L. Park
Received: August 3, 2011 / Accepted: March 31, 2012 / Published online: April 13, 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012
Abstract The Chronic Illness Anticipated Stigma Scale (CIASS) was developed to measure anticipated stigma (i.e., expectations of prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination) among people living with chronic illnesses. The CIASS is a 12-item scale with three subscales differentiating among sources of anticipated stigma, including friends and family members, work colleagues, and healthcare workers. Results support the reliability, validity, and generalizability of the CIASS in two samples of people living with chronic illnesses. The CIASS was correlated with other stigma-related constructs as well as indicators of mental health, physical health, and health behaviors. The CIASS can help researchers gauge the degree to which people living with chronic illnesses anticipate stigma, better understand the processes by which anticipated stigma contributes to the health and behavior of people living with chronic illnesses, and compare the extent to which people living with different types of chronic illnesses anticipate stigma.
Keywords Anticipated stigma Chronic illness
Scale Measure Discrimination
Introduction
I feel so embarrassed by thisthis thing Who would want a wife like this? How can I go out and not feel unable to look people in the eyes and tell them the truth? Once I do, who would want to develop a friendship, I mean a close one? (Milo quoted by Kleinman, 1988; p. 163)
I am concerned that some people will label me as a poor bet for the future, particularly in the work-place. I may be less likely to gain promotion in my current place of work and less likely to be appointed to a new job. Who would choose to employ someone who has an increased risk of becoming ill and disabled? (Green, 2009; p. viii)
Until every doctor knows exactly what theyre dealing with and believes it and agrees with each other, youre always going to have the bromyalgia patient doubting ifwondering who believes them, who doesnt, who thinks you need psychiatric help. (Patient quoted by Acker, 2008; p. 58)
In the quotes above, people living with...