Disclosing Mental Disorders: Whether, When, How, and with Whom to Share a Mental Disorder Diagnosis to Maximize the Likelihood of Receiving a Positive Response

Authors

Eli Z. Hendricks, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow

Files

Keywords

Mental Disorders, Disclosure, Stigma, Disclosure Outcomes, Disclosure Strategy

Abstract

Individuals with mental disorders face complex decisions about whether, when, how, and to whom they disclose their diagnosis. Disclosure is significant because it can lead to both substantial positive and negative outcomes. This review examined how disclosure outcomes differ across five major classifications of mental disorders. Through a search of three academic databases, 23 relevant articles were identified and analyzed. Findings indicate that both the likelihood and type of disclosure outcomes vary considerably by diagnosis. Furthermore, the optimal disclosure strategy, which maximizes the likelihood of positive outcomes, is unique for each disorder. The optimal timing, context, and audience are also unique for each disorder. Implications for mental health practitioners, individuals with mental disorders, and the public are discussed to support more positive disclosure outcomes. Finally, limitations are acknowledged, and areas for future research are proposed.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Hendricks, Eli Z., "Disclosing Mental Disorders: Whether, When, How, and with Whom to Share a Mental Disorder Diagnosis to Maximize the Likelihood of Receiving a Positive Response" (2025). FHSS Mentored Research Conference. 357.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/fhssconference_studentpub/357

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2025-12-04

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Junior

Course

Psychology 307

Copyright Use Information

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/