There\u27s Nothing Wrong with You : Associated & Structural Stigma Related to Parkinson\u27s Disease

Parkinson\u27s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by deficient levels of dopamine and characterized by slow movement, tremors, stiffness, difficulty walking and talking, and visual hallucinations. There is no cure; PD is a chronic disabling condition. Stigma Theory suggests that people categorize individuals toward a rejected stereotype. Theory constructs include: self, public, structural, and associated-stigma. Stigma is experienced by people with Parkinson\u27s Disease (PWPD) negatively affecting physical, mental, and emotional health. The purpose of this study is to examine current literature and stigma experiences of care partners of people with PD and evaluate Stigma Theory\u27s usefulness. In Phase I, we examined current literature that described care partners\u27 stigma experience for evidence of Stigma Theory constructs with a focus on associated and structural stigma. Evidence suggested that stigma was evident in the lives of care partners of PWPD. Structural stigma was demonstrated in the lack of professional resources and knowledge of PD, and associated stigma was illustrated by care partners\u27 feelings of embarrassment, isolation, and guilt. Phase II will include interviews with care partners of PWPD. Data will be collected and analyzed across participants, compared with literature findings and examined in the context of Stigma Theory