Login / Signup

Disclosure dilemmas: how people with a mental health condition perceive and manage disclosure at work.

Kate E TothFlorence YvonPatrizia VillottiTania LecomteJean-Philippe LachanceBonnie KirshHeather StuartDjamal BerbicheMarc Corbière
Published in: Disability and rehabilitation (2021)
Regardless of the disclosure strategy adopted, participants reported that their disclosure decision helped to support their self-acceptance and recovery. For those who disclosed, most perceived a positive response by their supervisor. However, the pervasive concerns of prejudice indicate there is still much work to be done.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONDecision-making about disclosure of a mental health condition to the immediate supervisor in the workplace is a complex process.Disclosure goals, the relationship with the supervisor and the workplace context are important antecedents to the disclosure decision.Careful consideration should be given to the planning of disclosure, particularly related to what information will be shared, how it will be shared, and an appropriate level of emotional content to enhance the likelihood of a positive response from the supervisor.Disclosure planning should take the supervisor's style and organizational norms into account.
Keyphrases
  • mental health
  • healthcare
  • public health
  • mental illness
  • decision making
  • social support