“Understanding the Influence of Stigma and Discrimination for the Functional Limitation Severity - Psychological Distress Relationship: A Stress and Coping Perspective” was a study conducted by Robyn Lewis Brown in order to evaluate the relationship between functional limitations and psychological stress and coping mechanisms. In this study, functional limitations are defined as any physical or mental restrictions that make it more difficult for a person to perform activities of daily living. The U.S. Census estimates that 56.7 million people, or nearly one-fifth of the population, experience some degree of functional limitation and that 38.3 million experience severe functional limitation.
The results of this study confirm that members of society who have functional limitations are placed in disadvantaged social statuses and are more likely to be involved in harmful, negative interactions which are not experienced by members of society who do not possess said functional limitations. These harmful interactions cause psychological stress for those who experience them. Additionally, the study found greater stigma to be positively associated with functional limitation severity and greater functional limitation, as well as stressor exposure from perceived stigma, major discrimination, and chronic strains, to be positively associated with greater depressive symptoms. Variation in perceived stigma, stressor exposure, mastery, self-esteem, and coping resources may impact the association between level of limitation and depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, having higher levels of social and personal resources are negatively associated with depressive symptoms.
Thus, there is clear evidence of an association between functional limitation severity and depressive symptoms. Also, perceived stigma and discrimination contribute to psychological distress in persons with functional limitations. This study further supports our claim that people with disabilities are often mistreated in society today and that something must be done to fix this injustice. Social support was found to bear the strongest influence in reversing depressive symptoms, while mastery and self-esteem also helped. By increasing social support and eliminating the disability stigma and discrimination against people with disabilities, we can truly better millions of lives!
For more information on the study, visit www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5300065/