Mental illness stigma and disclosure: consequences of coming out of the closet

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2009 Aug;30(8):509-13. doi: 10.1080/01612840802601382.

Abstract

The present study investigated disclosure patterns among mental health consumers (N = 500) and examined the relationships among disclosure, perceived stigmatization, perceived social support, and self-esteem. Results suggest that selective disclosure optimizes social support and limits stigmatization. Perceived stigmatization has a detrimental impact on self-esteem, especially for those who are relatively open about their mental disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Cost of Illness
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Friends / psychology
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Netherlands
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Prejudice
  • Self Concept
  • Self Disclosure*
  • Social Perception
  • Social Support
  • Stereotyping*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires