Adverse Unintended Effects of Antistigma Campaigns and Intervention Messages: First, Do No Harm

Antistigma campaigns and interventions have been responsible for myriad positive outcomes across domains (e.g., HIV/AIDS, addiction, mental health); there have also been frequent calls to maximize success by considering adverse unintended effects. Aligning with such calls, this special issue of Stigma and Health focuses on the adverse unintended effects that can result from well-meaning antistigma efforts. This introductory article to the special issue first describes how adverse unintended effects stemming from prosocial action have long been a concern across many fields. Next, we highlight examples of adverse unintended effects and calls for action specific to antistigma campaigns and intervention messages. We then briefly describe the nine articles comprising this special issue. Articles focus on numerous conditions (e.g., substance abuse, anorexia nervosa, depression, Alzheimer’s disease) and a range of outcomes (e.g., increased stigma, feelings of being negatively stereotyped). Quantitative, qualitative, and conceptual approaches toward uncovering and understanding adverse unintended effects are represented. In totality, the articles highlight the possibility of adverse unintended effects and the need to consider this possibility in development and evaluation efforts. A greater focus on adverse unintended effects can help maximize the success of well-intended antistigma campaigns and interventions.