Ten affects of hidden, mental dis/abilities and the act of disclosure

Abstract

This chapter clarifies some definitions, the particularities of hidden dis/abilities and the consequences for disclosure. It explores the opportunities and dilemmas of being a researcher with a hidden dis/ability. The chapter elaborates on the researcher’s role and how disclosure might influence the research process looking at mainly the question of neutrality, partnership and reflexivity. The task of the researcher is then to explore the actions, and their effects such as disclosure perform in the stories they encounter. The chapter offers some pragmatic discussions about the emergence of the 10 affects of the act of disclosure in the various stages of research practice. Human actors in research such as researchers and participants are connected through other actors like objects, ideas and experiences. With certain approaches, such as biographical, longitudinal or ethnography research, it is common to meet the respondent on more than one occasion.