Abstract:
Previous studies have shown that social stigma adversely
affects quality of life. However, little research has assessed
the influence of social stigma on subjective well‐being
(SWB) of persons with albinism (PWA) in Ghana, and the role
that perceived social support plays in this relationship. This
study investigated the SWB of PWA in Ghana. Participants
(N = 105) completed a survey questionnaire on social stigma,
social support, and SWB. Results from structural equation
modelling showed a significant negative association between
social stigma and SWB. Perceived social support partially
mediated the negative effect that social stigma has on
SWB, with significant other support emerging as a reliable
predictor of SWB in this sample. Results suggest that the
population with albinism in Ghana is experiencing high levels
of social stigma, which is adversely affecting its SWB. Social
stigma seems to be preventing PWA from being accorded
the needed social support by family and friends. The results
highlight the importance of designing stigma‐reduction
educational interventions that target social stigma at family,
community, and societal levels.
