NSG 4055 Week 1 Discussion

NSG 4055 Week 1 Discussion

Stigma affects the physical and mental health of persons from various age groups differently. Illness-related stigma in a 12-year-old may contribute to increased intrusiveness. The child might withdraw from valued activities by anticipating that their illness may be evident and negatively evaluated if they take part in these activities (Bakula et al., 2019). Stigma can also result in psychological distress leading to depressive and anxious symptoms in a 12-year-old. Stigma experiences are associated with a significantly increased risk for depressive and anxious symptoms among adolescents (Bakula et al., 2019). Illness-related stigma in a 75-year-old can make the patient less open about their symptoms and illness-related concerns with their providers. The reduced openness may hinder the ability of providers to offer satisfactory care (Nyblade et al., 2019). Stigma can also result in social isolation in a 75-year-old. Elderly persons are more likely to socially isolate themselves and thus receive less social support, attributed to poorer mental and physical health.

NSG 4055 Week 1 Discussion References

Bakula, D. M., Sharkey, C. M., Perez, M. N., Espeleta, H. C., Hawkins, M., Chaney, J. M., & Mullins, L. L. (2019). The role of stigma in the relationship between illness intrusiveness and adjustment in adolescents and young adults: A path model. Journal of pediatric psychology, 44(5), 611-619. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsz004