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Stigma and bias in self-disclosure
Stigma and bias in self-disclosure
Sharing sometimes sensitive information about ourselves can be fraught. Below are two thermometers to help you consider the implications of what to share and to whom. In an ideal world, one should never have to consider the below however the reality of stigma and bias means that there will always be an element of danger.
As such it's essential that:
those seeking support consider this and discuss the matters with a trusted ally
allies and those leading others become familiar with these perceptions and possibilities so as to create psychologically safe environments to share
The 'what' of disclosure
The 'what' of disclosure
In this first diagram, the balance between safety in sharing and educative strength is represented through lower and higher 'temperatures' in the thermometer. It can be that lower levels of exposure are sufficient however moving up towards full disclosure it may be more clear to the other party the basis of your need for adjustments or it may simply be more encompassing or better align with what is most challenging for you. For instance an Autistic person may have most difficulty with social cues but disclosing being sensitive to sound might feel safer than sharing issues in social contexts -- sound sensitivity may still address some challenges they experience and perhaps they can seek noise cancelling headphones (noting that many non-Autistic people find these helpful too!). Someone may also decide to slowly move up the self-disclosure thermometer over time as they see how others respond to what they disclose.
Caption: An image showing different ‘levels’ or extents of how much to self-disclosure with no disclosure at the bottom and full self-disclosure at the top. The left and right side represent two different disclosures, one around Autism and one ADHD. Specific examples include “I have sensory sensitivities” as a low disclosure option and “I am an ADHDer” as a high disclosure option.
Image sourced from Megan Neff (n.d.), https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/lets-talk-the-bachelor-l5emn and is included in this resource with permission by the author.
The page above also includes a detailed discussion around self-disclosure and using this as self-advocacy (also represented in the seeking and supporting accomodations page)
The 'who' of disclosure
The 'who' of disclosure
In this second diagram, the balance between informal and formal is shown. As with the first, rising in 'temperature' by selecting a more formal context may expose the person to greater risk or stigma however at those higher and more formal contexts is a greater ability to accommodate one's needs. For instance sharing with one's peers might seem relatively safe however they have limited ability to change the environment, while there is a considerable ability when going through formal HR processes but many may not feel comfortable having such information formally noted or may fear later consequences, etc.
Caption: An image showing ‘levels’ or extents of who to disclose to, with 'no one' at the bottom moving up to peers, supervisors and with formal disclosure through HR services towards the top.
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