Behavioral vs. Cognitive: Expanded Definitions of Coping and Stigma Resistance

• In Event: 30260 - Joint Roundtables: Section on Social Psychology and Section on Sociology of Emotions
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 7: Social Psychology of Mental Health

Abstract

In this study, we engage the growing literature on stigma, coping and well-being by examining how individuals with concealed mental health conditions define and develop 1) coping strategies aimed at improving their well-being 2) stigma resistance. To explore these issues, we analyze 26 in-depth interviews with individuals who identify as having a mental health condition they are actively concealing at work. Across our findings we find participants drew upon and challenged distinctions between mental and physical health as a form of stigma resistance and within their own coping practices. Furthermore, our findings suggest individuals with concealed mental health conditions may engage in stigma resistance practices of deflection and challenging in ways that expand how prior frameworks have been defined as cognitive or behavioral.

Authors

• Jane Schlapkohl VanHeuvelen, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

• Shibashis Mukherjee, XLRI