Felt and enacted stigma in elderly persons with epilepsy: A qualitative approach

Carolyn Sleeth; Kendra Drake; David M. Labiner; Jenny Chong

doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.12.026

Felt and enacted stigma in elderly persons with epilepsy: A qualitative approach

Carolyn Sleeth, Kendra Drake, David M. Labiner, Jenny Chong

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stigma is a common psychological consequence of chronic diseases, including epilepsy; however, little research has been done to determine the effect of stigma on persons with epilepsy, especially the elderly. We interviewed 57 older adults with epilepsy to discover the extent and consequences of, and reasons for, epilepsy-related stigma in their lives. Felt stigma was more frequently reported than enacted stigma, with over 70% having experienced this form of stigma. Participants described ignorance and fear of the disease as the foundation of epilepsy-related stigma. The most common response to stigmatizing events was a decrease in epilepsy disclosure to family or friends. Results from this study could inform interventions designed for elderly persons with epilepsy and their support networks, as well as educational campaigns for the general public.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	108-112
Number of pages	5
Journal	Epilepsy and Behavior
Volume	55
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.12.026
State	Published - Feb 1 2016

Keywords

Elderly
Epilepsy
Qualitative
Stigma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Neurology
Clinical Neurology
Behavioral Neuroscience

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10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.12.026

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abstract = "Stigma is a common psychological consequence of chronic diseases, including epilepsy; however, little research has been done to determine the effect of stigma on persons with epilepsy, especially the elderly. We interviewed 57 older adults with epilepsy to discover the extent and consequences of, and reasons for, epilepsy-related stigma in their lives. Felt stigma was more frequently reported than enacted stigma, with over 70% having experienced this form of stigma. Participants described ignorance and fear of the disease as the foundation of epilepsy-related stigma. The most common response to stigmatizing events was a decrease in epilepsy disclosure to family or friends. Results from this study could inform interventions designed for elderly persons with epilepsy and their support networks, as well as educational campaigns for the general public.",

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AU - Labiner, David M.

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AB - Stigma is a common psychological consequence of chronic diseases, including epilepsy; however, little research has been done to determine the effect of stigma on persons with epilepsy, especially the elderly. We interviewed 57 older adults with epilepsy to discover the extent and consequences of, and reasons for, epilepsy-related stigma in their lives. Felt stigma was more frequently reported than enacted stigma, with over 70% having experienced this form of stigma. Participants described ignorance and fear of the disease as the foundation of epilepsy-related stigma. The most common response to stigmatizing events was a decrease in epilepsy disclosure to family or friends. Results from this study could inform interventions designed for elderly persons with epilepsy and their support networks, as well as educational campaigns for the general public.

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Felt and enacted stigma in elderly persons with epilepsy: A qualitative approach

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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