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 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.

Self-stigma

- Public Stigma
- Perceived Stigma
- Self-stigma

Portland State University

This is the first chapter of Disability, Sexuality, and Gender in Asia. The study focused on analyzing stigma from the perspective of people with disabilities in five cities in Vietnam from August to November 2017.

Stigma faced by people with disabilities in Vietnam

- Stigma of Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Struggles
- Negative Effects of Stigma of Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Struggles

Stigma's Effects on People with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Struggles

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

- Total Population of People with Disability in Vietnam
- The Poverty Rate of People Living with Disability
- How Many People with Disability are Illiterate?

Data and Statistics

The Three Types of Stigma

The study sites were selected based on previous research and consultation with experts to recruit participants. Quantitative data was collected through online and paper questionnaires in four cities from people with disabilities aged 18 and above, resulting in 578 responses, of which 516 were valid. Qualitative research included in-depth interviews and group discussions.

Research Tools 

- The study did not focus on the stigma experienced by friends and relatives of people with disabilities, even though the authors were aware that these individuals might also face stigma related to the disabilities of their loved ones.
- The study does not aim to represent all people with disabilities in Vietnam but provides a quick assessment for organizations and policymakers working with people with disabilities.


Limitation of the Research

The researchers took measures to ensure compliance with research ethics. They explained the purpose of the research to the interviewees, ensured confidentiality by encoding participants' information, communicated the voluntary nature of participation, and allowed interviewees to decline to answer any questions or withdraw from the interview.

Ethical and Privacy Considerations

- Gender
- Age
- Marital Status
- Type of Disability

Statistics about the Participant of the Study

In Vietnam, a study was conducted to measure stigma using the Perceived Stigma Scale, which focuses on disabled people. The scale consisted of two questions, and if respondents chose "a little" or more for both questions, they were considered to have experienced perceived stigma. This scale was used in conjunction with three other scales to assess the relationship between perceived stigma, mental well-being, and disabled people's social participation.
1. In the past 12 months, how much embarrassment did you experience because of your disability?
2. In the past 12 months, how much discrimination or unfair treatment did you experience because of your disability?


Study Using the Perceived Stigma Scale

A deaf man share his story about how his mother was often insulted by the relatives because of having him and without a husband. When he was found out to be deaf, they cursed that his disability was caused by his mother’s lack of maternal virtues and it was his mom fault that he has disability.

A woman with visual impairments shared that people think that when a child with disabilities is born, the family is not blessed. They will hide the child whenever someone comes over to visit. That’s why even our family’s friends, who have known us for decades, still do not know that a member of my family is blind.


The Believe that Disability Brings Bad Luck to the Family

- In Education
- In Employment
- Mental Wellbeing

Research Findings

1. More research on perceived stigma
2. Advocacy activities should prioritize the full and equal participation of people with disabilities in society.

Recommendations for Policy Makers and Practitioners

Individuals with learning disabilities (LDs) and mental health struggles often face stigma that portrays them as failures or dependent. Many with LDs feel regret, guilt, and embarrassment when receiving accommodations, reflecting the stigma attached to needing support. This stigma can be internalized, leading to shame, self-hatred, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Negative self-perceptions and social isolation commonly follow.

Stigma of Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Struggles

Societal structures reinforce exclusion through barriers in education and employment, rooted in the devaluation of perceived dependence. These dynamics result in marginalization, lack of support, and long-term negative outcomes. The consequences of stigma are both personal and structural, compounding over time.

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