Relationship Between Number of Disability-Related Conditions and Stigma Among U.S. Adults

Purpose/Objective Research: Stigma is a common experience for people with disabilities. Stigmatization may lead to disparities in education, employment, and health care, quality of life, and psychological distress. This study's purpose was to (a) determine the relationship between number of disability conditions and stigma for adults with disabilities; and (b) examine whether identifying as a person with a disability, noticeability of a disability or gender moderate relationship between number of disability conditions and stigma. Research Method/Design: We conducted secondary analyses of data from the Disability Health Identity survey, originally collected in 2017 (n = 711). Results: Multivariable linear regression analysis indicated the association between number of disability conditions and stigma was not significant (.567). However, the association between number of disability conditions and stigma was modified by noticeability (p = .007). The relationship between number of disability conditions and stigma was stronger for people with more noticeable disabilities. Conclusion/Implications: This research is important because it increases understanding of factors that may play a role in stigma experiences for people with disabilities. Impact and ImplicationsThis article states that multiple disability conditions in which the disability/ies is/are more noticeable are more subject to stigma. It is important to provide awareness regarding practical ways to address stigma toward people with multiple disabilities in order to minimize negative psychosocial outcomes and enhance well-being. Policy implications include education for rehabilitation professionals that noticeability that can lead to stigma. Rehabilitation professionals need to learn to recognize the diversity of noticeability of disability conditions. The role of rehabilitation psychology would be to help reduce stigma and maintain self-esteem against it. This study reinforces the importance of education addressing noticeability of a disability-related condition that can lead to stigma.