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.