Comparing parent and child perceptions of stigmatizing behavior experienced by children with burn scars

This study examined perceptions of stigmatization in a sample of 85 pediatric burn survivors and their parents. Survivors and a parent independently completed the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire (PSQ) rating the frequency that the child experienced three types of stigmatizing behaviors: absence of friendly behavior, confused and staring behavior, and hostile behavior. The sample was divided into a high (top 25%) and low (bottom 75%) perceived stigmatization groups. The mean ratings of parents did not significantly differ from that of children reporting low stigmatization. The mean PSQ parent ratings were significantly lower than those of children reporting high stigmatization. Additionally, the concordance on PSQ subscale scores within child–parent dyads was significantly lower in children reporting high stigmatization relative to child–parent dyads of children reporting low stigmatization. Children surviving burns may experience stigmatization that is under-perceived by their parents. Clinicians should be alert to this potential discrepancy.

Research highlights▶ Burned children and a parent rated stigmatizing behaviors experienced by child. ▶ For children reporting high stigmatization, parent–child concordance rate was low. ▶ Burn children may experience stigmatization that is under-perceived by their parents.