Mental Illness Identity: A Scoping Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mental illness identity (MII) is the extent to which a mental illness is integrated into a person’s self-concept. MII plays an important role in help-seeking and health outcomes, but findings have been mixed. The primary aims of this scoping review were to examine the breadth and depth of research on MII and synthesize this disparate literature. A literature search (PsychInfo, PubMed) using “disability identity,” “illness identity,” “health identity,” and “mental illness identity” identified studies (assessed by two reviewers) reporting data on adults with mental health concerns aiming to understand the nature or function of identity in relation to mental illness conditions. The 22 studies varied in their populations, theoretical underpinnings, and identity assessment methods (13 quantitative, 8 qualitative, and 1 that included both). Quantitative measures varied, some using adapted or standard questionnaires and others using items that had not been psychometrically tested. There was some racial, ethnic, and gender diversity, but less than half of all studies reported these characteristics. MII is dynamic and has been defined primarily in terms of acceptance/rejection or centrality/salience of the condition. Future research should focus on multidimensional measurement development, consideration of positive and negative components, the dynamic nature of identity, moderators, and intersectionality.