Presenter(s)

Dori Miller

Comments

3:00-4:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

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Description

As the global population ages, mental health concerns among older adults have become an increasingly important public health issue. Despite growing awareness of mental health stigma, little research has explored how older adults navigate stigma, selective disclosure, and social support in the context of mental health. Stigma, including both public and internalized stigma, can significantly impact older adults' willingness to seek mental health support, often leading to selective disclosure—the decision to reveal or conceal mental health struggles based on concerns about social acceptance. This study applies Stigma Management Communication (SMC) theory (Meisenbach, 2010) and the conceptual framework of social support (Taylor, 2011) to examine how older adults manage disclosure and the role of social networks in shaping these decisions.Using qualitative methods, this research employs semi-structured interviews with adults aged 65 and older to explore their lived experiences with mental health stigma, disclosure strategies, and social support. This approach provides an in-depth understanding of how stigma influences help-seeking behaviors and interpersonal relationships. Findings from this study will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how older adults negotiate mental health disclosure, maintain social connections, and mitigate stigma’s negative effects.Addressing this gap in the literature is critical for developing stigma-reduction strategies and ensuring that mental health interventions are inclusive and effective for older adults. Without addressing these challenges, older adults may continue to experience barriers to care, leading to increased isolation and unmet mental health needs. By shedding light on these issues, this study aims to inform policies, healthcare practices, and social support initiatives that foster a more supportive environment for aging individuals. Ultimately, this research seeks to promote mental health equity, social inclusion, and improved well-being for older adults navigating mental health challenges in later life.

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Graduate Research

Primary Advisor

Brittany Nicole Lash, Chad E. Painter, Jen K. Ptacek

Primary Advisor's Department

Communication

Keywords

Stander Symposium, College of Arts and Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Scholarship; Critical Evaluation of Our Times

Silent Struggles: Stigma, Mental Health Disclosure, and Social Support in Older Adulthood

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