"Coming Out" with a Mental Disorder in Japan: How Self-Stigma and Empowerment Affect this Decision. (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nagai, Kuniyoshi; Kajita, Etsuko
• Is Part Of: Issues in mental health nursing. Volume 39:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 215
• Page End: 225
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Mental health personnel -- Periodicals; 616.89023105
• DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2017.1354102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-2840

Abstract

ABSTRACT: When persons with mental disorders attempt to live independently in the community, they face situations where they must decide whether to disclose their disorder (i.e., "come out"), which will affect self-concept, self-stigma, and empowerment. We conducted a self-reported questionnaire among users of psychiatric daycare facilities ( N = 150) to gather correlational data on these variables among others. Sixty-one percent had positive intentions to come out, which was influenced by affirmativeness and self-efficacy. More participants with mood disorders intended on coming out than did those with schizophrenia. Satisfaction with social support encouraged coming-out affirmativeness and autonomy, providing implications for caregivers.