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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Disclosure of Invisible Disabilities in Romantic Relationships: experience of young people in Makhanda, South Africa

presenters

    Vanessa Melato

    Nationality: South Africa

    Residence: South Africa

    Rhodes University

    Presence:Online

Research on disability and relationships has mainly focused on the physical disability that can be seen, or when studying invisibility, it has explored work-related and family relationships. However, invisible disabilities are increasingly being recognised in modern society and research. Despite that, the issues experienced by those in such relationships are not well understood and explored. This study investigates how individuals with invisible disabilities in Makhanda disclose their condition(s) to their romantic partners. Employing a qualitative methodology based on the Social Model of Disability and Critical Disability Theory, the study examines the intricate dynamics of disclosure, emphasising social, psychological, and emotional factors. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine participants, six of whom were people with invisible disabilities, and three were romantic partners of people with invisible disabilities. The results show that the need for trust in relationships, social stigma, and fear of rejection are the main factors that influence disclosure. Participants' willingness to disclose varied based on their personal backgrounds and the stage of their relationship. Although some individuals delayed disclosure for fear of being misunderstood or judged, others felt that early disclosure was crucial in building empathy and trust. One recurring theme was the emotional toll of continuously having to defend or explain an invisible condition to a partner, underscoring the extra burden on people who manage invisible disabilities. This study emphasises the importance of open communication in fostering supportive romantic relationships and the necessity of increasing awareness of invisible disabilities in society. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of how invisible disabilities shape romantic relationships and suggest that enhancing social awareness and destigmatising these conditions could improve relational dynamics.

Keywords:

disclosure, invisible disabilities, romantic relationships, relationship dynamics