Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management
Published on: January 19, 2024
[Honest, Open, Proud: Concept and Efficacy of a peer-led Program to Provide Support with Disclosure Decisions and
Nicolas Rüsch1, Nathalie Oexle1, Lea Reichhardt1
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie II der Universität Ulm am BKH Günzburg.
Background:
Due to the stigma associated with mental disorders, many people with mental illness face the difficult choice whether to disclose their illness to others. (Non-)Disclosure is a key reaction in coping with stigma. Disclosure as well as non-disclosure have risks and benefits, depending on the environment and the individual.
Methods:
"Honest, Open, Proud" (HOP; German: "In Würde zu sich stehen"/IWS) is a peer-led group program to support people with mental illness in their disclosure decisions. It is not HOP's aim to make participants disclose, but to support a well-informed and empowered decision.
Results:
Currently three RCTs, with several others underway, show HOP's positive effects in terms of reductions in stigma stress, disclosure distress, self-stigma, or depressive symptoms. Adolescent participants reported better quality of life, recovery, and attitudes to help-seeking. Adaptations for different diagnoses and age groups have been developed.
Conclusions:
HOP appears to be a feasible and effective program to support people with mental illness in their disclosure decisions and in their coping with stigma. Future developments and public health implications are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Concept
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Self-Efficacy
Decision Making
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...

