Perceived Stigma and Self-Stigma in College Students: A Literature Review and Implications for Practice and Research

Perceived and self-adopted forms of stigma are omnipresent. Although stigma is often discussed alongside mental illness, constructs such as race, ethnicity, and sexuality can also cause individuals to adopt feelings of stigma within themselves. The literature has called for further inquiry examining the effects of perceived and self-stigmas among different populations. In response, this literature review examines the influence of perceived and self-stigmas on college student populations. Overall, perceived and self-stigmas have the potential to negatively affect students’ psychological well-being, willingness to seek treatment, cocurricular experiences, and academic performance. Implications for future research are presented based on the review’s findings.