Harari, Lexi*, Sharon S. Oselin, and Bruce Link. 2023. “The Power of Self-Labels: Examining Self-Esteem Consequences for Youth with Mental Health Problems.” Journal of Health and Social Behavior 64(4): 578–592.

Abstract
New evidence on a classic sociological debate allows for a test of the consequences of self-labeling with mental illness. While a medicalized “insight” perspective emphasizes the importance of self-labeling for psychological well-being and recovery, a sociologically informed “outsight” perspective draws from modified labeling, self-labeling, and stigma resistance theories to suggest that self-labeling can generate negative consequences for self-esteem. We engage this debate by examining the effects of mental illness self-labels on a crucial component of psychological well-being for persons with mental health problems-self-esteem-by using longitudinal data that followed 427 sixth-grade youth over two years. Our findings support an outsight perspective whereby adopting a self-label led to decreased self-esteem, while those who dropped a self-label experienced increased self-esteem. This conclusion calls for revisions to prevailing public mental health models that overlook how self-labels can impede rather than enhance psychological well-being and recovery efforts.

Oselin, Sharon S. 2018. “Challenging Stigma: Identity Work among Male Sex Workers in a Recovery Program.” Sociological Perspectives 61(2): 240-256.

Abstract
Research shows that stigma can generate severe and prolonged negative consequences for particular groups. Affected populations often attempt to mitigate stigma and its effects by implementing various management tactics, such as concealment and resistance. Due to its illegality and the taboo surrounding it, people involved in street-based prostitution are especially susceptible to stigmatization. This article extends knowledge on how male sex workers cope with stigma by examining their use of identity talk—the ways in which they craft and avow personal identities that resuscitate self-worth and dignity. Identity talk unfolds within a service-provision organization, A Lift Up, and men’s relationship to this program and their views on prostitution influence their narratives. The findings highlight how identity talk shapes and is also influenced by behavior. The data consist of 21 in-depth interviews (male sex workers and staff members) and participant observations within this setting.

*graduate student