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Challenging aged care stigma through communication: discursive responses to stigmatising discourses about aged care work and implications for workers’ mental health

Author

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  • Asmita V. Manchha

    (The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland and Metro North Health
    The University of Queensland
    The University of Queensland)

  • Ken Tann

    (The University of Queensland Business School)

  • Kïrsten A. Way

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Michael Thai

    (The University of Queensland)

Abstract

Occupational stigma can negatively impact aged care workers’ (ACWs) mental health. This mixed-methods study investigates whether ACWs who challenge stigmatising discourses, through communication, experience reduced psychological costs of aged care stigma. We screened 184 ACWs’ discursive responses and tested for differences in ACWs’ mental health between those who challenge stigma and those who do not. A discourse approach was further employed to examine recurring language patterns in ‘challenge’ discursive responses. ACWs (n = 95) who discursively challenged stigmatising discourses reported lower internalised occupational stigma and psychological distress than those who did not challenge stigma (n = 89). These workers chose to infuse positive value into negative evaluations about ACWs and aged care work. Overall, findings suggest that ACWs may spontaneously challenge occupational stigma, through their discursive responses, which may proactively protect their mental health. We offer practical implications for challenging stigma, including developing guidelines, training, and language-based interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Asmita V. Manchha & Ken Tann & Kïrsten A. Way & Michael Thai, 2025. "Challenging aged care stigma through communication: discursive responses to stigmatising discourses about aged care work and implications for workers’ mental health," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:22:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10433-025-00844-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-025-00844-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yang, Lawrence Hsin & Kleinman, Arthur & Link, Bruce G. & Phelan, Jo C. & Lee, Sing & Good, Byron, 2007. "Culture and stigma: Adding moral experience to stigma theory," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(7), pages 1524-1535, April.
    2. Sine Nørholm Just & Sara Louise Muhr, 2020. "Holding on to both ends of a pole: Empowering feminine sexuality and reclaiming feminist emancipation," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(1), pages 6-23, January.
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