Finally, in integrating core aspects of theories of stigma (Link & Phelan, 2001; Meyer, 2003) and psychological mediators of the stress process (Grant et al., 2003; Pearlin et al., 1981; Repetti et al., 2002), the psychological mediation framework has raised important theoretical questions germane to these literatures. In particular, how much of the mental health outcomes of members of stigmatized groups can be explained by general stress process factors alone, without specific reference to the salient features of stigma (e.g., concealability, perceived control)?5 Phrased another way, are certain general psychological processes more important to the development of psychopathology for different stigmatized groups?
