We examine whether perceived interpersonal discrimination mediates the association between disability and psychological well-being (depression, negative and positive affect) and how these processes differ across the life course. Data are from two waves (2004–2006; 2013–2014) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS; N = 2,503). Perceived discrimination accounts for 5% to 8% of the association between disability and the three mental health outcomes. Moderated mediation analyses reveal significant age differences; perceived discrimination is a stronger explanatory mechanism among midlife (ages 40–64) relative to older (age 65+) adults. Disability stigma takes a heightened psychological toll at midlife, a life stage when adults are expected to be able-bodied and interact with a diverse social network, which may be a source of interpersonal mistreatment. Among older adults, for whom impairment is expected and common, the psychological impact of disability may operate through other pathways. We discuss implications for research and practice.

中文翻译：

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生命过程中残疾的心理后果：评估人际歧视的中介作用。

我们研究了感知到的人际歧视是否介导了残疾与心理健康（抑郁，消极和积极影响）之间的联系，以及这些过程在人生过程中的差异。数据来自美国中年（MIDUS； N = 2,503）的两次浪潮（2004–2006； 2013–2014）。感知的歧视占残疾与三项心理健康结果之间关联的5％至8％。适度的调解分析显示出明显的年龄差异；与年龄较大（65岁以上）的成年人相比，感知歧视是中年年龄（40-64岁）中更强的解释机制。残疾耻辱感在中年时会增加心理负担，中年是指成年人身体健全并能与各种社交网络互动的生命阶段，这可能是人际关系虐待的根源。在预计会造成伤害并很普遍的老年人中，残疾的心理影响可能通过其他途径起作用。我们讨论对研究和实践的意义。