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A Study on the Disclosure of People with Mental Illness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 August 2024

M. Seo*
Affiliation:
1Gyeongsang National University, Jinju
M. H. Lee
Affiliation:
2Mokpo National University, Mokpo, Korea, Republic Of
Y. R. Kim
Affiliation:
2Mokpo National University, Mokpo, Korea, Republic Of
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

People with mental illness often experience a concealable stigmatized identity that may be invisible to others. As a result, they are often faced with the dilemmas of whether to disclosure or conceal their diagnosis and their experience. However, in order to overcome the social stigma and self-stigma that hinder their recovery, they must establish a network and social support through identity disclosure.

Objectives

This study investigates the effect of clinical characteristics (symptom and social function level), self-stigma and social support on the disclosure of people with mental illness.

Methods

The research was conducted with 236 respondents who are currently using community mental health services. (Male: 51.9%, Female: 48.1%; Mean age = 47.97±13.24; SPR: 66.8%, other diagnosis: 33.2%).

Results

Most respondents disclosed their mental illness to health service providers and family, but they are least open about their identity toward neighbors and co-workers. A regression analysis of predictors of disclosure revealed that only social functioning level and social support had significant predictive power. It was discovered that individuals with better level of social function and social support disclosure more about their mental illness.

Conclusions

A program that increases social functions and support network can be recommended to improve disclosure efficacy.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of European Psychiatric Association
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