Experiences of stigmatization among older adults in non-institutional and institutional settings of a private nursing home

The aim of this study is to examine the level of stigmatization (stereotyping, negative discrimination, negative interpersonal and intrapersonal experiences) among older adults living in a private nursing home and those living in their homes (non-institutional setting), as well as their responses to experienced stigmatization (internalization, covering, correcting, and stigma rejection). The study draws on Goffman’s concept of stigma, which was modified and operationalized to explore experienced stigmatization of older adults. The research sample included 100 individuals (54 living in their homes and 46 private nursing home residents). Data were collected using a specially designed questionnaire. The findings indicate that perceived stigmatization in the overall sample does not exceed a moderate level, with nursing home residents reporting lower levels of stigmatization compared to those living at home. However, the place of residence loses its predictive significance when other sociodemographic variables are considered, particularly marital status, relationship with descendants, and educational level. Although stigma rejection emerges as the most prevalent response pattern, concealment and internalization increase with higher levels of perceived stigmatization and are more common among nursing home residents. Furthermore, stigma concealment is most pronounced among the oldest participants and those with the poorest health status. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of stigmatization in later life and highlights potential directions for addressing this issue. The study also contributes to Goffman’s theory, confirming that stigmatization depends on socioeconomic and cultural-political circumstances, rather than internal characteristics of individuals.