Yale University

The disclosure processes model: understanding disclosure decision making and postdisclosure outcomes among people living with a concealable stigmatized identity.

TitleThe disclosure processes model: understanding disclosure decision making and postdisclosure outcomes among people living with a concealable stigmatized identity.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsChaudoir, Stephenie R., and Jeffrey D. Fisher
JournalPsychological bulletin
Volume136
Issue2
Pagination236-56
Date Published2010 Mar
ISSN1939-1455
KeywordsComprehension, Decision Making, Goals, Humans, Identification (Psychology), Inhibition (Psychology), Psychological Theory, Self Disclosure, Social Support, Stereotyping
AbstractDisclosure is a critical aspect of the experience of people who live with concealable stigmatized identities. This article presents the disclosure processes model (DPM)-a framework with which to examine when and why interpersonal disclosure may be beneficial. The DPM suggests that antecedent goals representing approach and avoidance motivational systems moderate the effect of disclosure on numerous individual, dyadic, and social contextual outcomes and that these effects are mediated by three distinct processes: (a) alleviation of inhibition, (b) social support, and (c) changes in social information. Ultimately, the DPM provides a framework that advances disclosure theory and identifies strategies that can assist disclosers in maximizing the likelihood that disclosure will benefit well-being.
DOI10.1037/a0018193
Alternate JournalPsychol Bull

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