Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

8-2024

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph. D.

Department

Counseling and Human Development

Degree Program

Counseling and Personnel Services, PhD

Committee Chair

Pössel, Patrick

Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)

Mickelson, Kristin

Committee Member

Barbee, Anita

Committee Member

Bresin, Konrad

Committee Member

Mitchell, Amanda

Author's Keywords

measurement; gender; emotion; stigma; mental health; socialization

Abstract

Emotions are biological responses to stimuli that allow individuals to derive meaning, appraise experiences, and prepare to respond. However, individuals perceive emotions differently based on emotion socialization which not only dictates the way emotions are viewed and managed but also has been directly linked with mental health outcomes. Furthermore, research shows emotion socialization is informed by demographic variables such as gender such that the expectations of emotionality differ; where women are taught to express emotions, men are taught to conceal. Given the societal rules regarding emotionality, it is possible that emotionality stigma – the stigma around the experience and expression of emotions – is formed through subtle cues about the deviance or normality of emotionality based upon societal expectations and stereotypes related to gender. To test this theory and develop a measure of emotionality stigma, two studies were conducted. Study 1 served to test the factor structure and reliability of the Emotionality Stigma Scale in two separate samples (N = 464, 407, respectively). Using EFA and CFA, the hypothesized factor structure was confirmed with support for the three hypothesized dimensions of emotionality stigma: stigma resistance, stigma endorsement, and differential treatment. Utilizing this developed scale, in Study 2, emotionality stigma was investigated in relation to similar constructs including expressive suppression, expression, and concealment, masculinity, and physical and mental health outcomes. Taken together, these studies make strides toward understanding emotionality stigma in diverse populations and the role this stigma may play in mental health and social relationships. Implications for both research and practice are discussed.

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