Research on stigma is vast and has focused on stigma directed toward members of stigmatized groups defined by race and ethnicity, homosexuality, religion, and mental illness, to name a few. Results of these studies indicate that experiences of stigma, whether enacted, perceived, or self-stigma, can have serious consequences for individuals. Some of the consequences of stigma for those with behavioral health problems include difficulties obtaining employment (Link, 1987; Penn and Martin, 1998; Penn, Ritchie, Francis, Combs, and Martin, 2002), housing (Page, 1983), and social relationships (Perlick et al., 2001). Previous research has also found various forms of stigma related to lower self-esteem/self-efficacy (Corrigan and Watson, 2002; Link, Struening, Neese-Todd, Asmussen, and Phelan, 2002; Wright, Gronfein, and Owens, 2000) and lower quality of life (Luoma et al., 2007; Rosenfield, 1997).
