01431nas a2200253   4500000000100000008004100001260000900042653001500051653003300066653002300099653001100122653001200133653002100145653003400166653003500200653000900235653002100244100001500265245010900280300001100389490000700400520075600407022001401163       1983                            d  c198310aAlcoholism10aAttitude of Health Personnel10aAttitude to Health10aHumans10aleprosy10aPhysician's Role10aProfessional-Family Relations10aProfessional-Patient Relations10aRole10aSocial Isolation1 aVolinn I J00aHealth professionals as stigmatizers and destigmatizers of diseases: alcoholism and leprosy as examples.  a385-930 v173 a<p>Two disease entities are used for the analysis of stigmatization processes within the health care system. It is shown how overall cultural norms, specific professional role interpretations and certain characteristics of the disease are contributory factors. Cultural norms of devaluating persons with disabilities are considered. The relative power of the medical profession within the health care system is assessed in order to evaluate their potentially stigmatizing impact. Previously formulated theoretical concepts and findings of empirical studies provide the overall framework for the discussion. The conclusions include implications which might lead to the improvement of treatment and rehabilitation of currently stigmatizing diseases.</p>  a0277-9536