Embodiment of concealable stigma disclosure through dynamics of movement and language

Hannah M. Douglas*, Stacie Furst-Holloway, Stephanie R. Chaudoir, Michael J. Richardson, Rachel W. Kallen

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    2 Citations (Scopus)
    88 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    A concealable stigmatised identity (CSI) is any identity that can be hidden but, if revealed, can be potentially socially devaluing (e.g., sexual minority). Those living with a CSI have opportunities to disclose their identities to friends and family members or within professional contexts. According to the disclosure processes model, people adopt either approach-oriented or avoidance-oriented goals when self disclosing. The current study sought to identify how antecedent goals and relationship context are embodied in the dynamics of unintentional behaviours during disclosure. Participants simulated a disclosure event to both close other and professional other targets and were primed with either approach or avoidance-motivations. Postural activity and language were analysed using detrended fluctuation analysis and recurrence quantification analysis. Results revealed that the movement dynamics of participants who were motivated by approach goals exhibited more complex and flexible behaviour compared to those who were motivated by avoidance goals. In addition, there was more recurrent word use towards close others compared to professional others. These results support the supposition of the disclosure processes model that approach-avoidance motivation impacts behaviour and sheds light on the functional differences between relationship contexts on a CSI disclosure experience.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number233
    Pages (from-to)1-13
    Number of pages13
    JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications
    Volume9
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 9 Jul 2022

    Bibliographical note

    Copyright the Author(s) 2022. Version archived for private and non-commercial use with the permission of the author/s and according to publisher conditions. For further rights please contact the publisher.

    Keywords

    • RECURRENCE QUANTIFICATION ANALYSIS
    • SEXUAL IDENTITY DISCLOSURE
    • POSTURAL SWAY
    • COMPLEXITY
    • MODEL
    • COORDINATION
    • ANTECEDENTS
    • VARIABILITY
    • MANAGEMENT
    • DEMANDS

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