The risks and benefits of talking about psychosis - version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The social impact of disclosure and non-disclosure of serious mental illness: experiences of young men in inner London with First Episode Psychosis
IRAS ID
241697
Contact name
Jonathan Lovell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study aims to gather and analyse the experiences of service users in respect of the disclosure or non-disclosure of a first episode of psychosis to those in their network. It is interested in the positive and negative aspects of disclosure and in audience responses. It is interested in the barriers to disclosure and what would make disclosure easier. And it is interested in whether disclosure or non-disclosure has an impact on the nature or degree of a person’s social contact. The study will therefore examine service users’ social networks in light of the issue of disclosure and explore how service users' networks have been impacted by their becoming unwell.
It is an important area of research because relationships are vital to mental health recovery. And yet those with serious mental illness experience greater social isolation. There is stigma around mental illness and people are increasingly being encouraged to talk about their mental health through a prominent national anti-stigma campaign. The study wants to gain participants’ perspectives on their networks, how these might have changed since they became unwell and whether willingness or unwillingness to disclose this information might have an impact on social isolation.
By increasing understanding of the challenges, risks and benefits of disclosure, it is hoped that professionals will be in a better position to support service users in deciding whether and how to disclose. This may help them in their relationships and recovery.
The study will seek the experiences of men aged 18-35 with experience of First Episode Psychosis who are receiving treatment from Early Intervention services in East London. Participants will be interviewed on one occasion during this 6-month study.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
18/WA/0118
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion