**2. Definition and theories of stigma**

Stigma refers to the situation of being exposed to an accusatory, exclusionary approach and attitude due to the existence of a situation that should be ashamed for a person or group, being different from normal or different from other individuals with any feature. Stigma as a word means a scar, a stain, a sign of shame and humiliation that marks the person [8]. Etymologically, the concept of stigmatization was used for the first time in Ancient Greek with the meanings of hole, puncture, wound, scar, and today it is used in the sense of humiliation and loss of reputation, similar to this definition. Sociologist E. Goffman defined stigma as social rejection resulting from negatively perceived characteristics [9]. According to Goffman, the term stamp goes back to the Greeks who cut or burned the skins of criminals, slaves, and traitors to describe them as tainted or immoral people to be avoided [9]. Stigma is a term that refers to social disapproval, not just a physical marking. Link and Phelan extended Goffman's conceptualization by identifying four attributes of stigma; (1) individual differences are noticed, (2) these differences are perceived negatively by society, (3) the stigmatized group is viewed as an outgroup, (4) the end result is loss of opportunity, power, or status [10].

While explaining the reasons for stigma, 4 terms were used. These are as follows:

a.*Stereotypes:* This concept represents the common general view of societies. It is a concept adopted by the general public. When a "sick person" is mentioned,

the person first perceives and evaluates this situation with stereotypes. Some of these definitions share commonalities, but each may also contain unique aspects that may contradict the others. Stereotypes are grouped into positive and negative.

