Modeling the Factors Associated with Topic Avoidance about Mental Health: Depressive Symptoms, Information and Relationship Assessments, and Efficacy

ABSTRACT

This study modeled associations between depressive symptoms, information and relationship assessments, and efficacy as predictors of topic avoidance about mental health. We proposed a model, drawing on previous research and the disclosure decision-making model (DD-MM). A sample of 304 individuals with a self-reported mental illness completed an online survey about their diagnosis and their intentions to share information about their mental health. Results of a structural equation model found: (a) depressive symptoms were positively associated with stigma and anticipated outcome, (b) anticipated response was negatively associated with disclosure efficacy, (c) disclosure efficacy was negatively associated with topic avoidance, and (d) stigma was positively associated with topic avoidance about mental health. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• mental health disclosure
• topic avoidance
• information management

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. The sample size was sufficient to detect a small to medium effect size, d range = .10–.30, α = .05, and power = .90.

2. The purpose of asking about medication was to enhance the sample quality by ensuring that the diagnosis matched the prescribed treatment plan.

3. Race/ethnicity counts exceed the total sample size because participants could select multiple responses.

4. Mental health diagnoses exceed the total sample size because participants could select multiple diagnoses.

5. Four items were excluded due to IRB concerns.