Moral stigma and psychological suffering: problematizing the individualization of consumer overindebtness

Given the lack of studies in the field of Social Psychology on this topic, we developed an exploratory research aiming to know the subjective implications of consumer’s overindebtedness. We interviewed 24 consumers who, being in this condition, joined a project developed by the southern Brazil Judiciary, which proposes legal paraprocedural conciliation with creditors. We analyzed the material obtained in interviews according to the methodology of discourse analysis. Two interrelated aspects that were revealed – individualization and the moralizing dimension of overindebtedness, which cause considerable psychological distress to the subjects – are discussed and problematized here in the light of Foucault’s perspective, and Nietzsche’s propositions about morality. We indicate the need for public policies and facing-up strategies that take into account the complexity of this situation. Inês Hennigen, João Paulo Borges Estigma moral e sofrimento psi: problematizando a individualização do superendividamento do consumidor Estud. pesqui.