I'm lonely and apprehensive: The presentation of stigmatizing information in personal ads

The present study attempted to extend previous personal ad research by contacting ad writers directly. Previous research has suggested that personal ad writers may differ from the general population along certain personality characteristics, and that certain types of information they present may be perceived as stigmatizing. This study's specific intentions were to explore the types of information presented, assess loneliness via the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and communication apprehension via the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension. Results indicated that personal ad writers who divulge stigmatizing information experience a greater degree of loneliness and communication apprehension than ad writers presenting non‐stigmatizing information.