Thinking about AIDS and stigma: A psychologist's perspective

This article provides a brief introduction to social psychological theory and research concerning AIDS-related stigma. After defining stigma and distinguishing it from the related constructs of prejudice and discrimination, the article briefly describes the contours of contemporary AIDS stigma in the United States, using findings from the author's own empirical research to illustrate key patterns. Instrumental stigma is distinguished from symbolic stigma. Various strategies for reducing AIDS stigma are considered.