The Impact of Caregiver-Affiliate Stigma on Psychosocial Well-Being in Caregivers of Individuals with Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Scoping Review

Caregiver-affiliated stigma in neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) profoundly affects caregivers' well-being, though its full impact remains to be fully elucidated. This scoping review aims to consolidate current knowledge on caregiver-affiliated stigma in NDDs, explore its connection to caregiver psychosocial well-being, and pinpoint gaps in existing research. Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search of five databases was conducted for peer-reviewed, English-language studies focusing on caregiver-affiliated stigma in NDDs. The initial search yielded 9,033 articles, with 19 meeting the inclusion criteria after rigorous screening. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory was employed to analyze various stigma conceptualizations, encompassing public, courtesy, affiliate, and family stigma. Analysis revealed a correlation between elevated levels of affiliate stigma and increased caregiver burden, deteriorated mental health outcomes, and diminished quality of life. The internalization of stigma was found to vary across demographic groups, influenced by factors such as education level and social support. The review also highlighted the mediating role of coping strategies and the protective function of social support against stigma internalization. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted, culturally sensitive interventions that address caregiver-affiliated stigma across multiple ecological levels. This review contributes to a more nuanced understanding of caregiver-affiliated stigma in NDDs, laying the groundwork for future research and intervention development aimed at enhancing caregiver well-being in diverse cultural contexts.