Psychology
Stigma Management Strategies Among Individuals with Invisible Disabilities
Quick fact
In his 1963 work on stigma, Erving Goffman coined the terms 'discredited' for those with visible stigmas and 'discreditable' for those whose stigma is invisible, and he observed that people with hidden conditions often spend significant effort on 'passing'—appearing able-bodied—rather than disclosing. This passing is a core strategy for managing the 'spoiled identity' that stigma threatens.
Why this is interesting
You might have worked alongside someone with a chronic illness for years and never guessed it. Why do they stay quiet, and what does it take to finally tell someone?