What Lessons do Coming Out as Gay Men or Lesbians have for People Stigmatized by Mental Illness?

Abstract

Goffman (Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity, Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NH, 1963) distinguished stigmatized groups as discredited (with relatively obvious marks such as people of color or gender) or discreditable (without obvious marks, causing stigma to be largely hidden). Like gay men and lesbians, people with various mental illnesses can opt to stay in the closet about these conditions in order to avoid corresponding prejudice and discrimination. In this study, we completed semi-structured interviews with 13 gay men and lesbians in order to better understand the personally perceived consequences that guide the coming out process. This information would, in turn, help us to better comprehend the process of coming out for people with mental illnesses. Interview participants identified specific benefits and costs. Benefits that promote disclosure include acceptance, community, and comfort and happiness. Costs that diminish coming out decisions include shame and conformity as well as harm and discrimination. We then postulated how these consequences might manifest themselves in the disclosure process of people with serious mental illnesses. Finally, implications for stigma management and change were considered.

Attributions for Discriminatory Events and Satisfaction with Social Support in Gay Men

“…In people with psychiatric disabilities, endorsement of stigmatizing attitudes toward mental illness is not associated with psychological indices unless such attitudes are applied to the self (Corrigan, Watson, & Barr, 2006). Insofar as mental illness and same-sex attraction are both relatively concealable stigmas that are often not shared by an individual's parents (Corrigan et al, 2009), these results may generalize. It is possible that there may be more overlap between self blame for discrimination and self-stigmatization, as opposed to the broader construct of internalized homonegativity.…”

“…In fact, importance and globality attributions for discrimination were found to be associated with social anxiety in gay men (Burns et al, 2010 (Online First)), and social anxiety has been implicated in nondisclosing social behavior (Cuming & Rapee, 2010;Rodebaugh, 2009). Such non-disclosure might, in turn, limit the amount of emotional support possible within social relationships (Cuming & Rapee, 2010), ultimately decreasing satisfaction with the support network (Corrigan et al, 2009;Grossman, D'Augelli, & Hershberger, 2000).…”

Attitudes towards sexual minorities among Chinese people: implications for mental health

“…Stereotyping and discrimination are core obstacles for them to achieve important life goals (such as obtaining competitive employment, and living independently in a safe and comfortable home). As lesbians and gay men are living in heterosexual societies, 'coming out' (admitting that they are homosexuals) is pivotal for their personal growth and development (as it signifies self-recognition and self-assurance) (Corrigan et al, 2009). Unfortunately, in a fairly conservative society like Hong Kong, it needs a lot of courage to make such a decision.…”

Star Shots: Stigma, Self-Disclosure and Celebrity in Bipolar Disorder

“…In a qualitative study of self-disclosure and mental illness (Cross, 2009) (Cross, 2009:133) And another: (Cross, 2009:134) Stigma is common for people with a mental illness with three out of four people reporting it. The labelling of people according to their illness stereotypes them and creates prejudice and discrimination (Corrigan et al, 2009). Stigmatised people with mental illness experience humiliation, guilt, despondency, despair, media misrepresentation and sensationalism and impaired help-seeking.…”

“…Self-stigma occurs when people internalise the negative messages and this leads to low self esteem, poor self-efficacy, despair, vulnerability and self loathing (Corrigan et al, 2009 (Cross, 2002:204).…”