Helping working parents decide whether to disclose their child's mental health needs at work
Official title: My Choice: Developing a Workplace Disclosure Decision Aid and Resources for Working Parents of Children with Mental Health Disabilities
Funded at California State Univ, Monterey Bay · NIH-10817108 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating helpful tools for parents of kids with mental health challenges to make it easier for them to decide if they should share their child's situation with their boss, aiming to reduce stress and improve their work-life balance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State Univ, Monterey Bay NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seaside, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $108,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K01OH012009-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817108 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are working parents of children with mental health disabilities who are facing challenges related to workplace disclosure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have children with mental health disabilities or who are not currently employed may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a decision aid and resources for working parents of children with mental health disabilities. It addresses the stress and challenges these parents face when deciding whether to disclose their child's mental health status to employers. The project will explore the impact of workplace flexibility and the stigma associated with mental health, providing tools to help parents navigate their disclosure decisions. By understanding the risks and benefits of disclosure, the research seeks to empower parents to make informed choices that can improve their work-life balance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help working parents manage their stress and improve job retention by providing them with the tools to make informed disclosure decisions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research may be novel, there is existing literature on workplace disclosure and stigma that suggests potential for positive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
California State Univ, Monterey Bay
Seaside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stewart, Lisa Maureen — California State Univ, Monterey Bay
- Study coordinator: Stewart, Lisa Maureen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.