You did this to yourself! Stigma and blame in lung cancer

• In Event: Navigating the cancer continuum

Abstract

This study investigated blame for smokers, tobacco companies or cigarette advertising for lung cancer. Results showed nonsmokers with lung cancer received significantly less blame. Heavy smokers with lung cancer were held accountable by nonsmokers while smokers showed less blame. Nonsmokers assigned more blame to tobacco companies and cigarette advertising and made more negative attributions about smokers. These results confirm that heavy smoking and lung cancer are stigmatized conditions characterized by blame and negative attribution.

Authors

• Mary Bresnahan, Michigan State University

• Kami Silk, Michigan State University

• Jie Zhuang, Michigan State University