An attributional analysis of reactions to stigmas
Abstract
In two experiments, we examined the perceived controllability and stability of the causes of 10 stigmas. Guided by attribution theory, we also ascertained the affective reactions of pity and anger, helping judgments, and the efficacy of five intervention techniques. In the first study we found that physically based stigmas were perceived as onset-uncontrollable, and elicited pity, no anger, and judgments to help. On the other hand, mental-behavioral stigmas were perceived as onset-controllable, and elicited little pity, much anger, and judgments to neglect. In addition, physically based stigmas were perceived as stable, or irreversible, whereas mental-behavioral stigmas were generally considered unstable, or reversible. The perceived efficacy of disparate interventions was guided in part by beliefs about stigma stability. In the second study we manipulated perceptions of causal controllability. Attributional shifts resulted in changes in affective responses and behavioral judgments. However, attributional alteration was not equally possible for all the stigmas.
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Cognition and affect may be in interaction.
“these two personal variables may be in interaction.”
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- Authors
- Weiner, B., Perry, R. P., & Magnusson, J.
- Affiliations
- University of California, Los Angeles (US)
- ORCID
- Perry, Raymond P.
- Venue
- Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
- Published
- 1988-11
- Volume
- 55
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 738-748
- ISSN
- 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
- 1939-1315
- OpenAlex
- W1977654489
- Cited by
- 1,793
- References
- 1
- Citations by year
- 2026: 47 · 2025: 63 · 2024: 63 · 2023: 83 · 2022: 49 · 2021: 72 · 2020: 68 · 2019: 102 · 2018: 70 · 2017: 114 · 2016: 82 · 2015: 82 · 2014: 79 · 2013: 89 · 2012: 76
- FWCI
- 47.71
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institute of Mental Health (MH38014)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment
- Keywords
- stigma, attribution theory, perceived controllability, perceived stability, pity, anger, helping behavior, stigma reduction interventions
- MeSH terms
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Adult, Affect, Female, Persons with Disabilities, Humans, Internal-External Control, Interpersonal Relations, Male, Sick Role, Social Responsibility, Stereotyping
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