stigma (Wahl 1999; Luoma et al. 2010) and experiences of rejection (Wright et al. 2000) are associated with such stigma coping orientations, and in turn, these orientations are associated with a variety of negative social consequences and psychological distress (Link et al. 1997; Link et al. 1991; Link et al. 1989). Critics maintain that the theory could be improved by incorporating evidence regarding the heterogeneity in perceived stigma (Freidl et al. 2003) as well as the varying responses that individuals have to societal labels and perceived stigma, including coping with stigma by recognizing its illegitimacy (Camp et al. 2002).
