Stigma Management of Mental Illness: Effects of Concealment, Discrimination, and Identification on Well-Being

This study examined how having a mental illness diagnosis indirectly helps versus harms well-being via social-psychological processes. We focused on the effects of identity concealment, personal and group discrimination, and personal and social identifications related to mental illness on psychologi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Self and identity 2015-11, Vol.14 (6), p.654-674
Main Authors: Elliott, Marta, Doane, Michael J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Concealment
Discrimination
Identity
Mental disorders
Mental illness
Psychological well-being
Social identity
Social psychology
Social support
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Summary:This study examined how having a mental illness diagnosis indirectly helps versus harms well-being via social-psychological processes. We focused on the effects of identity concealment, personal and group discrimination, and personal and social identifications related to mental illness on psychological well-being. Among college students with a self-reported mental illness (N = 255), we found that personal and group discrimination were each negatively related to well-being. Personal and social identifications were also related well-being, albeit in opposite directions. Personal identification was negatively related to well-being, while social identification with others who have a mental illness was positively related to well-being via access to in-group social support. Several indirect pathways linked concealment and discrimination to well-being via identification and sense of belonging.
ISSN:1529-8868
1529-8876
DOI:10.1080/15298868.2015.1053518