Affiliations: Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston
University, Boston, MA 02215, USA | Department of Counseling and Personnel Services,
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Marsha Langer Ellison, Ph.D., Center
for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University, 940 Commonwealth Avenue
West, Boston, MA 02215, USA. Tel.: +1 617 353 3549; Fax: +1 617 353 7700;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: This study identifies patterns and correlates of
disclosure among professionals and managers with serious psychiatric
conditions. Design: A national mail survey of such respondents was conducted.
Results: A large proportion (87%) of study participants reported
having disclosed their mental illness. About half of the disclosers reported
unfavorable circumstances leading to disclosure while one third disclosed when
they felt comfortable. Most frequently, respondents disclosed to supervisors;
one third made their disability known when applying for the job. About half of
the respondents had no regrets about disclosing. Multivariate analysis showed
that correlates with the occurrence, timing, and choice of disclosure converge
around constructs related to job confidence, empowerment, and recovery. We also
describe those who chose not to disclose. Conclusion: Higher rates than previously reported and better
experiences with disclosure were evident and may be related to this
population's greater recovery as well as to occupational factors.
