Abstract
Background: Openness about mental disorders has increased in recent decades. How do youths understand the ethos of openness about mental illness? Method: In this qualitative study, we conducted 15 semi-structured interviews and three focus groups with young adults aged 16–19, the majority recruited from psychology classes in upper secondary school. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Results: The participants shared the widespread perception that openness is an effective outlet for negative feelings and a way to combat stigmatization. However, we also found that the participants had more critical understandings of openness. Among the downsides of openness that were highlighted were potential misuse to gain attention, uncertainty regarding the legitimacy of the disease categories applied, and the potential romanticization of mental illness. Conclusion: The study indicates that a more nuanced, ambivalent attitude towards openness has become widespread among the younger generation. Keywords: the ethos of openness, mental illness, stigma, shame, pathologizing
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