The Role of Fear and Stigma in Perpetuating Racial Health Orientation Disparities in Emerging Adults
Abstract
This study examined relationships between cancer fear, race, anticipated stigma of chronic illness, and health orientation in emerging adults (N = 152). Hierarchical regressions and moderation analyses were used to evaluate the predictive nature of these variables on health orientation, as well as to determine the moderating role of race between cancer fear, anticipated stigma of chronic illness, and health orientation. Family history of chronic illness and cancer fear were both found to predict health orientation scores significantly. In addition, although people of color reported greater levels of anticipated stigma of chronic illness, race did not moderate the relationship between anticipated stigma of chronic illness and health orientation. With the findings of this study in mind, mental health professionals have an opportunity to work with clients, particularly clients of color, to combat stigma of chronic illness.
Recommended Citation
Zeligman, Melissa; Wood, Andrew; Fakhro, Dania; and Foulk, Margaret
(2022)
"The Role of Fear and Stigma in Perpetuating Racial Health Orientation Disparities in Emerging Adults,"
Adultspan Journal: Vol. 21:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33470/2161-0029.1001
Available at:
https://mds.marshall.edu/adsp/vol21/iss1/5
