Comparative efficacy of Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy and surgical iridectomy in modulating perioperative subclinical inflammation after DMEK.

Anticipated stigma refers to a future‐oriented expectation of prejudice, devaluation, discrimination or negative judgement that may occur if a concealable stigmatised identity, condition or behaviour is disclosed. This anticipation is shaped by awareness of societal stigma and can negatively affect psychological well‐being, disclosure decisions, help‐seeking and engagement in care (Earnshaw, Smith, et al. ; Kane et al. ; King et al. ). Anticipated stigma has been documented across diverse countries and health systems in relation to HIV, mental illness, chronic illness and other conditions, accentuating its relevance for nurses working in global and multicultural contexts (Fujii and Hashimoto ; Ikizer et al. ; Liu et al. ; Peltzer and Pengpid ). In this concept analysis, anticipated stigma is operationalised as an expectation of devaluation or mistreatment specifically in health and social contexts, with particular attention to cannabis use disclosure. Persistent worry about potential mistreatment leads many patients to conceal stigmatised behaviours, such as cannabis use, even when disclosure is essential to provide informed, safe care. Because nurses often serve as the primary point of contact for assessment, education and ongoing support, they are uniquely positioned to recognise manifestations of anticipated stigma, respond to disclosures and influence the level of psychological safety that patients experience in healthcare settings (Amarante et al. ; King et al. ; Rice et al. ). Although clinically significant, anticipated stigma remains under‐theorised, particularly in nursing. Much of the existing work has been grounded in social and health psychology, drawing on frameworks such as Goffman's stigma theory, the Minority Stress Model and the Conservation of Resources Theory. These perspectives help explain how anticipated stigma arises from everyday interactions and structural inequalities, but their implications for nursing assessment, communication, and policy remain poorly articulated. Using Rodgers and Knafl's () evolutionary concept analysis method, this paper traces the historical development of anticipated stigma, identifies its key attributes, antecedents, and consequences, and differentiates it from related constructs. A model case illustrates its relevance to nursing practice, with particular emphasis on cannabis use disclosure, and implications for future research, education and policy are discussed. Generative AI technologies supported organisation, synthesis of literature, and refinement of language and structure during manuscript preparation. All content was reviewed and finalised by the author.