Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen stehen aufgrund verbreiteter Stigmatisierung
oft vor der schwierigen Entscheidung, ob sie ihre Erkrankung anderen gegenüber offenlegen
sollen.
Methode Konzept und Inhalte von ‚In Würde zu sich stehen‘ (IWS), einem kompakten peer-geleiteten
Gruppenprogramm, werden beschrieben.
Ergebnisse IWS unterstützt Teilnehmer mit psychischen Erkrankungen bei Offenlegungsentscheidungen
und Stigmabewältigung. Drei RCTs zeigen positive Effekte von IWS.
Schlussfolgerungen Fragen der Wirksamkeit, Implementierung und Weiterentwicklung von IWS werden diskutiert.
Abstract
Background Due to the stigma associated with mental disorders, many people with mental illness
face the difficult choice whether to disclose their illness to others. (Non-)Disclosure
is a key reaction in coping with stigma. Disclosure as well as non-disclosure have
risks and benefits, depending on the environment and the individual.
Methods “Honest, Open, Proud” (HOP; German: „In Würde zu sich stehen“/IWS) is a peer-led
group program to support people with mental illness in their disclosure decisions.
It is not HOP’s aim to make participants disclose, but to support a well-informed
and empowered decision.
Results Currently three RCTs, with several others underway, show HOP’s positive effects in
terms of reductions in stigma stress, disclosure distress, self-stigma, or depressive
symptoms. Adolescent participants reported better quality of life, recovery, and attitudes
to help-seeking. Adaptations for different diagnoses and age groups have been developed.
Conclusions HOP appears to be a feasible and effective program to support people with mental
illness in their disclosure decisions and in their coping with stigma. Future developments
and public health implications are discussed.
Schlüsselwörter
Stigma - Offenlegung - Geheimhaltung - peer-geleitete Intervention - Gruppenprogramm
- Evaluation
Keywords
stigma - disclosure - secrecy - peer-led intervention - group program - evaluation