Self-stigma refers to when people with disabilities internalize prejudices against them, leading to a lack of confidence and lowered self-esteem. This may manifest as hiding conditions, avoiding social activities, refusing to access disability services, or distancing from stigmatized people.

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- Public Stigma
- Perceived Stigma
- Self-stigma

The Three Types of Stigma

- Public stigma 
- Self-stigma
- Courtesy stigma

Three Types of Stigma 

As an example of how stigma affects students with ADHD, one student chose to decline academic accommodations such as note-taking assistance because he felt that taking Adderall already gave him the support he needed—and using additional help would be perceived as cheating. This reflects the internalized pressure to appear “normal” and the fear of being seen as overly dependent or undeserving, both of which are shaped by the stigma surrounding ADHD and academic aid.

Example of Stigma Effects on Students with ADHD

Zhang, W., Bjørnstøl, E., Ding, P., Gao, W., Liu, H., & Liu, Y. (2023). Disability, Sexuality, and Gender in Asia. In Routledge eBooks. Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003170297

Disability, Sexuality, and Gender in Asia

The term "public stigma" refers to the negative reaction of society towards stigmatized individuals based on attitudes or beliefs. It can result in the exclusion of people with undesirable attributes and is a result of social classification based on what is seen as normal. Stigma can stem from differences in gender, social classes, or ethnicity, and can be reflected in the views and behaviors of individuals or organizations. Disability-based discrimination is a form of stigma. 

Public Stigma

Perceived stigma refers to the belief by people with disabilities that society holds negative attitudes towards them. This perception can lead to anger, ignorance, embarrassment, or self-stigma among individuals with disabilities.

Perceived Stigma

Self-stigma

Courtesy stigma is the prejudice or discrimination experienced by people who are closely associated with someone who has a stigmatized condition, such as a disability or mental illness. It reflects how stigma can extend beyond the individual to family members, friends, or caregivers, based on their connection to the stigmatized person.

Courtesy Stigma 

Internalized ableism is when disabled individuals internalize the idea that people's bodies and minds are assigned value based on being perceived as being non-disabled, or "normal." Often these valuations are based on individuals appearance, their ability to produce work at the volume and capacity that is expected by others, their ability to excel in societally valued settings and their ability to behave in ways that are societally accepted.  

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