A systematic review of the evidence relating to disclosure of psychological distress by mental health professionals within the workplace

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review evidence regarding prevalence and choices of disclosure of psychological distress, by mental health professionals within the workplace. Methods: Six databases were searched in June 2020. Studies were included if they were published in English language and included empirical quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods data. Studies were excluded if they focused on general healthcare professionals or the general population, or on stress or physical health problems. Study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Quality Appraisal tool.Results: Nine studies, with a total of 1891 participants, were included. Study quality varied, with studies generally reporting descriptive surveys using hypothetical disclosure scenarios. Distress was often conceptualized in psychiatric terms. These limitations mean conclusions should be treated with caution. Individuals were less likely to disclose in work and had negative experiences of doing so compared to social circles. Fear of stigma inhibited disclosure. There were differing levels of disclosure relating to recipient, trust, quality of supervision, how distress was conceptualized, and type of problem. Disclosure was experienced by some as valuable.

Humans First, Professionals Second: Impact of Psychological Distress on Counselling Self-efficacy and Empathy of Trainee Clinical Psychologists

“…A study was conducted to review evidence regarding the prevalence and choices of disclosure of PD by mental health professionals within the workplace. According to this research, three studies focusing on the hypothetical disclosure of mental health problems reported that mental health professionals would be more likely to disclose mental health related problems within their social circles as compared to their work circles, and one study focusing on actual disclosure of mental health problems revealed that mental health professionals reported greater negative experiences relating to disclosing their problems to their employers, than to their friends or family members (Zamir, 2022).…”

Anticipated Self and Public Stigma in Suicide Prevention Professionals

“…We also found that such stigma predicted help-seeking self-stigma. Professionals' decisions to disclose their problems in the workplace and seek help may be hindered by shame or fear of being judged negatively or of negative effects of disclosing mental health problems on their career and self-image ( 28 , 33 ). Thus, mental-health self-stigma can be critical in a professional setting because it can negatively impact feelings of professional competence.…”

“…Professionals' mental health knowledge does not make them immune to such conditions ( 26 , 27 ). On the contrary, their prior experiences of adversity, distress, and mental health problems, may be one of the reasons they pursue a career in mental health ( 28 ). According to studies, mental health professionals tend not to seek out the services they provide ( 27 ).…”

“…According to studies, mental health professionals tend not to seek out the services they provide ( 27 ). They are more likely to disclose in their social circles than in work circles ( 28 ). The reason for this may be that they are trained to help others in distress and therefore tend to have high expectations of themselves ( 26 , 29 ).…”

Disclosure of Mental Health Problems or Suicidality at Work: A Systematic Review

“…In this paper, we use the term “mental health problems” to refer to situations in which people experience varying issues of mental health but may not have a diagnosis of mental illness. By using mental health problems, we acknowledge that everyone experiences some issues with regard to mental health, but not everyone identifies with or has a diagnosed mental health illness, disorder or condition [ 6 , 7 ].…”