Issues in mental health nursing

A secret involves the intentional and deliberate concealment of information from a person and consists of information that individuals actively and consciously withhold from at least one other individual (Frijns & Finkenauer, 2009; Kelly & Yuan, 2009). By sharing information the notion of a confidant is implied, the information is confidential and should be held between those involved – be it two or sometimes more people (Frijns & Finkenauer, 2009). Concealment of information is part of everyday life and may involve family, friends, peers, and colleagues. Secrecy occurs in public and private situations including the workplace (Rappert, 2010). Critically, the way in which secrets or information is held and used impacts the individuals sharing the secret as well as others the secret may be about (such as a perpetrator of abuse), involve (a peer, colleague or manager, or a client) or impact (family, friends, relationships, the workplace or organization) (Rappert, 2010). This column reflects on the nature of secrets, and the reasons for keeping a secret.