Stigmaempfängern

Stigmaempfängern is a term used in sociology and psychology to refer to individuals or groups who bear social stigma as a result of attributes, behaviors, or identities that society devalues. The concept focuses on those who receive stigma rather than those who impart it, framing stigma as a social process that can affect opportunities, health, and well-being.

Stigma recipients can arise from characteristics such as health conditions (for example mental illness or infectious diseases), disabilities, ethnicity or race, gender or sexual orientation, age, or body weight. The term is used across domains including health care, education, employment, and housing.

The process of stigmatization typically involves labeling, stereotyping, social separation, status loss, and discrimination. Stigma recipients may experience lower self-esteem, internalized stigma, social withdrawal, reduced access to services, and heightened stress or discrimination.

Coping mechanisms and mitigation efforts include seeking supportive networks, selective disclosure, resilience-building, and participation in anti-stigma interventions. Public health campaigns, policy changes, and provider education aim to reduce stigma and expand equitable access to care and opportunities for stigmatized groups.

In research, stigma on the recipient side is measured through perceived stigma, experienced stigma, and internalized stigma scales, alongside qualitative interviews. The term Stigmaempfängern helps structure inquiry into the lived experiences and structural barriers faced by those who bear stigma.

Ethically, scholars stress respectful language and involvement of affected communities in study design and interpretation to avoid reinforcing stigma. The concept remains a descriptive tool rather than a normative judgment about individuals.