Verbal stigmatization from family: How does that affect Latino men who have sex with men?

Abstract

A secondary analysis investigated the influences of verbal stigmatization from family members on the psychological well-being of Latino homosexual males. A model was proposed to explain effects of being exposed to labeling stigma messages that supported both Stigma Communication Model and Revised Labelling Theory. Results showed exposure to verbal stigma messages, especially those with labeling and name calling, was associated with low self-esteem, perceived social support, and highly stigmatized beliefs. Such effects were also related to one’s emotion reactions, especially the feeling of shame, toward verbal stigmatization. Implications for interpersonally communicated stigma messages in general and further study directions were discussed.