Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2014 Sep;23(3):289-300.
doi: 10.1017/S2045796013000310. Epub 2013 Aug 6.

Disclosure of a mental health problem in the employment context: qualitative study of beliefs and experiences

E Brohan  1 , S Evans-Lacko  1 , C Henderson  1 , J Murray  1 , M Slade  1 , G Thornicroft  1
Affiliations

Disclosure of a mental health problem in the employment context: qualitative study of beliefs and experiences

E Brohan et al. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2014 Sep.

Abstract

Aims. Decisions regarding disclosure of a mental health problem are complex and can involve reconciling conflicting needs and values. This article provides a qualitative account of the beliefs and experiences of mental health service users regarding disclosure in employment contexts. Methods. Total sample of 45 individuals were interviewed in two study phases. In phase one, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 15 mental health service users. The transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). In phase two, identified themes were further explored through interviews with mental health service users (n = 30) in three employment contexts: in paid employment (n = 10); in study or voluntary work (n = 10); and currently unemployed (n = 10). These were analysed using directed content analysis. Results. Four super-ordinate themes were drawn from phase one analysis: (1) public understanding of mental health problems; (2) the employment context; (3) personal impact of labelling and (4) disclosure needs. These themes were reflective of the content of phase two interviews. Conclusions. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on considering the societal, employment and interpersonal influences which form the basis for disclosure beliefs and experiences.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Allen S, Carlson G (2003). To conceal or disclose a disabling condition? A dilemma of employment transition. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation 19, 19–30.
    1. Auerbach ES, Richardson P (2005). The long-term work experiences of persons with severe and persistent mental illness. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal 28, 267–273. - PubMed
    1. Blustein DL (2008). The role of work in psychological health and well-being. American Psychologist 63, 228–240. - PubMed
    1. Bricout JC, Bentley KJ (2000). Disability status and perceptions of employability by employers. Social Work Research 24, 87–95.
    1. Brohan E, Slade M, Clement S, Thornicroft G (2010). Experiences of mental illness stigma, prejudice and discrimination: a review of measures. BMC Health Services Research 10, 80. - PMC - PubMed