Adapting and Evaluating a Strategic Disclosure Program to Address Mental Health Stigma Among Chinese

People with mental illness are challenged by self-stigma, leading to a sense of behavioral futility and reduced goal seeking. Honest, Open, Proud (HOP) program is a peer service program that utilizes strategic disclosure to combat self-stigma. HOP was developed and predominantly examined in western culture, leaving unknown its effectiveness in East Asian countries. The current study reports adaptation and evaluation of HOP for Chinese people living with serious mental illness. Adaption underwent a community-based participatory research approach to assure cultural responsiveness. A pilot randomized controlled trial with 135 participants revealed that HOP diminished self-stigma in participants. Satisfaction and feasibility assessments indicated HOP was well received within the focal community. Results suggested HOP had benefits on disclosure self-efficacy and self-stigma for those participating in the program. Future research should further examine cultural mediators of peer support and disclosure on stigma and empowerment.