The Impact of Criminal Record Stigma on Quality of Life: A Mediation Model
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Author/Creator ORCID
Date
2020-01-20
Type of Work
Department
Psychology
Program
Psychology
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Distribution Rights granted to UMBC by the author.
This item may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. It is made available by UMBC for non-commercial research and education. For permission to publish or reproduce, please see http://aok.lib.umbc.edu/specoll/repro.php or contact Special Collections at speccoll(at)umbc.edu
This item may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. It is made available by UMBC for non-commercial research and education. For permission to publish or reproduce, please see http://aok.lib.umbc.edu/specoll/repro.php or contact Special Collections at speccoll(at)umbc.edu
Abstract
Across multiple stigmatized groups, research suggests that stigma may negatively impact individual wellbeing. Empirical evidence suggests this occurs through a sequential pathway that includes perceiving societal stigma, a diminished and stereotyped self-concept (i.e. internalized stigma), experiences of discrimination and rejection, and attempts to cope with stigma (e.g., secrecy or withdrawal). No study has evaluated a model representing this sequence in relation to criminal record stigma. This study utilized cross-sectional data from an online survey of 198 adults to evaluate the pathways by which criminal record-related stigma impacts individual quality of life. The results indicated that perceived stigma is predictive of discrimination and rejection experiences, secrecy coping strategies, and decreased quality of life. A significant indirect association between perceived stigma and quality of life through secrecy coping was also detected. Consistent with recent criminal record stigma research, internalized stigma was low among respondents. Theoretical and intervention implications are discussed.