Social stigma is a pervasive phenomenon in society that can have a profound impact on individuals who bear stigmatized identities. Social stigma can be influenced by two key factors: concealability and controllability. These factors play a crucial role in determining the experiences of stigmatized individuals and the impact of stigma on both individuals and communities. Concealability refers to the ability to hide a stigmatized condition, while controllability refers to the perceived responsibility for the stigmatized status. These factors can impact the visibility of the stigma, the frequency and intensity of discriminatory experiences, and the emotions experienced by individuals facing social stigma. In terms of concealability, individuals may experience self-conscious emotions such as guilt and shame as they attempt to conceal their stigmatized identity. Guilt may arise when concealing the condition leads to feelings of deception, while shame may stem from the need for secrecy. In the case of controllability, individuals' moral judgments and empathetic responses toward those facing stigma are influenced by the perceived level of control over their stigmatized status. Guilt and shame may be experienced when individuals perceive themselves as responsible for their stigmatized status, contributing to internalized negative self-perceptions. Future research should focus on exploring the relationship between concealability, controllability, and self-conscious emotions to develop more targeted interventions. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological mechanisms at play and  help  to  develop  interventions  that  promote  resilience  and well-being among those affected by stigma.
About the Speaker:
She is a social psychologist who completed her PhD at IIT Delhi. Her doctoral research focused on the social stigma experiences faced by sexual minorities in India. Her interests lie in social stigma, gender, sexuality, and social norms. She has published her work in reputed international journals and has attended numerous national and international conferences. She has more than four years of post-PhD teaching experience and has been associated with several national and international research projects in various capacities. She has also guided several UG and PG dissertations. Currently, she works as an assistant professor at CHRIST University, Delhi-NCR Campus.