Active Agents in Mental Health Socialization: Asian American Youth's Interpretations of Parental Messages of Mental Health.

Policy Recommendations to Promote Integrated Mental Health Care for Children and Youth.

Contrary to the "model minority" stereotype of being exceptionally healthy and successful, Asian American (AA) youth experience mental health disparities and are less likely to seek help. In 2020, suicide was the leading cause of death for AA youth aged 10-19. Parenting is essential for promoting youth mental health, and AA parenting is unique in the context of acculturation and enculturation. However, the impact of parenting on youth mental health among AA families remains underexplored and unsynthesized. This review aims to synthesize existing literature from 2003 onward on parenting and mental health outcomes among AA youth. Four databases were searched, yielding 44 articles published after 2003 for inclusion. Empirical studies meeting the following criteria were included: population focused on AA youth, study conducted in the U.S., included a mental health outcome, and included a parenting measure. Findings emphasize the importance of parenting in shaping the mental health outcomes of AA youth. Intergenerational acculturation gaps and family conflicts are associated with increased mental health risks, while parental warmth/support and family cohesion serve as protective factors. These findings highlight the need for culturally tailored parenting interventions to improve AA youth mental health. Future research should evaluate or adapt existing evidence-based parenting programs to ensure cultural appropriateness and effectiveness in improving mental health of AA youth, ultimately reducing mental health disparities.

Young adulthood is a major and significant stage in life encompassing various life transitions which may increase the risk of developing emotional crises. Receiving mental health treatment and turning to nonprofessional resources for support can ease such emotional burdens. However, many of those in need of such help do not turn to professional services and, rather, tend to rely on themselves. The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of attitudes towards seeking professional emotional help, self-stigma, anticipated risk, anticipated utility, and social support to the intention to seek professional and nonprofessional emotional help among Jewish young adults in Israel. Participants included 282 Jewish Israeli young adults aged 18-30, recruited in person or online. They filled out a self-report questionnaire, between March and June 2017, regarding intention to seek professional and non-professional emotional help, attitudes towards seeking professional emotional help, self-stigma towards seeking professional emotional help, anticipated risk and anticipated utility of self-disclosure when seeking professional help, perceived social support and sociodemographic questions. A path analysis model was used to analyse the data. Intention to seek professional help was positively associated with positive attitudes towards seeking professional emotional help and anticipated utility and negatively with self-stigma and social support. Intention to seek nonprofessional help was positively associated with anticipated utility and social support and negatively with anticipated risk. In addition, indirect effects were found between religious affiliation and previous mental health treatment, and intention to seek professional help, through the mediating effects of attitudes and anticipated utility. Interventions for increasing intention to seek professional and nonprofessional support are important and should include reference to attitudes, anticipated utility, anticipated risk and self-stigma, and should promote mutual support and highlight the importance of support from close ones. In addition, a model for predicting intention to seek non-professional help should be developed.

Factors influencing attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help: Findings from a multi-ethnic Asian population-based study

BackgroundPsychological help-seeking behaviour is a key determinant of mental health outcomes. However, studies on psychological help-seeking behaviour that focus on older adults are very limited, especially for migrant older adults. Identifying contributing factors could inform tailored interventions to enhance help-seeking behaviour amongst this vulnerable population. This study aimed to explore the current status and influencing factors of psychological help-seeking behaviour amongst migrant older adults under the guidance of the COM-B model.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 345 migrant older adults from Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, and the participants were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ), Actual Help-Seeking Questionnaire (AHSQ), Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale–Short Form (ATSPPH-SF), Questionnaire of Stigma for Seeking Professional Psychological Help (SSPPH), Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS).ResultsThe analysis found that 146 participants (42.32%) reported psychological distress, of whom 99 (67.81%) sought help, whereas only 11 (11.11%) used professional services, highlighting the markedly low utilisation of professional psychological support. Multiple linear regression revealed that sex, reemployment/volunteering, psychological distress, mental health literacy, perceived social support and the intention to seek nonprofessional help were significantly associated with nonprofessional help seeking. Psychological distress, mental health literacy and the intention to seek professional help were associated with professional help seeking.ConclusionA substantial proportion of migrant older adults experiencing psychological distress did not seek professional help, revealing gaps in help-seeking behaviour. This study highlights that targeted interventions should be developed to reduce structural barriers and enhance the help-seeking motivation, opportunity and capacity of older migrant adults.

For gender-diverse (GD) college marching band (MB) artists, the risks for anxiety and depression may be higher as they navigate the demands and stressors associated with MB, college, and their gender identity. To examine the risks of anxiety and depression across GD MB artists and to explore their barriers and attitudes toward seeking mental health (MH) care. Cross-sectional study. Online survey. Seventy-eight GD individuals (transgender = 12, nonbinary = 66, age = 19 ± 1 years). A survey was used to assess demographics, anxiety risk using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, depression risk using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and barriers and attitudes using the Barriers Towards Seeking Help Checklist, the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form, and the Mental Help Seeking Attitudes Scale. We calculated descriptive statistics and univariate analyses to evaluate scores, risks, and differences between MH and receiving assistance. Participants had high state anxiety (mean = 52.0 ± 112.1), trait anxiety (mean = 55.2 ± 10.0), and symptoms of depression (mean = 30.4 ± 12.0) based on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Overall, 78.2% (n = 61 of 78) of GD MB artists were considered at risk for both state and trait anxiety and depression, and 18% (n = 11 of 61) did not seek help from an MH professional. These GD MB artists cited a lack of time (82.1%; n = 64 of 78) as the primary barrier to seeking professional help. The mean score on the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form for all GD artists was 19.5 ± 5.0, and the total score for the Mental Help Seeking Attitudes Scale was 47.8 ± 9.2, which indicated more favorable attitudes toward seeking professional help. We identified high rates of clinical symptoms for depression and anxiety among GD MB artists. The data are consistent with those from other minority populations and above the normative values for cisgender students. The lack of help-seeking behaviors in nearly 15% of at-risk participants highlights the need for specialized resources for GD patients and those participating in MB.

Introduction: Mental Health issues are a razing issue among college students in India. Multiple studies and surveys have established the alarming necessity of mental health service to these students. However, the attitude of these students towards seeking help is also an important factor in mitigating the mental health crisis. The present study has been planned to assess attitudes of Indian college students towards seeking professional psychological help and to explore some of the correlates. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study among 251 Indian students studying UG and PG courses were accessed using well established psychological scales to measure attitude towards seeking professional psychological help, self-esteem, psychological well-being and various demographic variables like age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, living arrangements. Results: The overall attitude of the students towards seeking professional psychological help remained average score (poor); self-esteem and psychological well-being are not significantly correlated with it. However, age emerged as a significant correlate and a predictor. Significant differences in terms of gender, living arrangement were observed. Conclusion: Efforts must be made to reach out to male students, students of younger ages and those living in hostels or away from family as they are more likely to be reluctant to seek professional help.

Previous research on mental health disparities shows that persons from racial-ethnic minority groups have less access to mental health care, engage in less treatment, and receive poorer-quality treatment than non-Hispanic whites. Attitudes and beliefs about mental health treatment were examined to determine whether they contribute to these disparities. Data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) were analyzed to determine attitudes toward treatment-seeking behavior among people of non-Hispanic white, African-American, and Hispanic or Latino race-ethnicity. Additional sociodemographic variables were examined in relation to attitudes and beliefs toward treatment. African-American race-ethnicity was a significant independent predictor of greater reported willingness to seek treatment and lesser reported embarrassment if others found out about being in treatment. These findings persisted when analyses adjusted for socioeconomic variables. Hispanic or Latino race-ethnicity also was associated with an increased likelihood of willingness to seek professional help and lesser embarrassment if others found out, but these differences did not persist after adjustment for the effects of socioeconomic variables. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, African Americans and Hispanics or Latinos may have more positive attitudes toward mental health treatment seeking than non-Hispanic whites. To improve access to mental health services among racial-ethnic minority groups, it is crucial to better understand a broader array of individual-, provider-, and system-level factors that may create barriers to care.

Race-Ethnicity as a Predictor of Attitudes Toward Mental Health Treatment Seeking

Despite high rates of mental illness among veterans, many do not receive sufficient mental health treatment. Thus, mental health interventions that do not look like treatment, but look more like outdoor recreation, may be helpful in addressing veterans' resistance to mental treatment and help-seeking. The present study sought to answer the question: Does participation in a therapeutic adventure program correlate with veterans' help-seeking for mental health concerns? If such correlations exist, which demographic or military service-related factors might help explain those patterns of change? Participants in the present study attended a peer-led therapeutic adventure trip that lasted at least 3 days and 2 nights. The 67 participants completed study measurements pre-trip, immediately post-trip, 1-month post-trip, 6 months post-trip, and 12 months post-trip. Using latent growth curve modeling, results showed that, on average, veterans who attended these trips increased their openness to seeking professional psychological help significantly from pre-trip to 1-year post-trip. Notably, the rate of increase for males was slower than for females. Results also showed significant variability in the starting point and the trajectory of seeking professional psychological help. The findings suggest that veterans show variability in their openness to seeking professional psychological help after therapeutic adventure participation and may vary significantly in how open they become over time. The present study provides evidence that veterans' participation in therapeutic adventure trips correlates with increased openness to seeking professional help, suggesting the intervention's possible role in improving veterans' help-seeking behaviors.

Adolescence is a critical period for developing and maintaining good habits for mental health and well-being. This is crucial for future mental health; as most mental health problems emerge during adolescence. Mental health literacy forms the foundation for preventing mental health issues, reducing stigma, and enhancing the effectiveness of help-seeking, particularly among adolescents. This study aims to measure the effect of social media-based educational intervention on mental health literacy among male high school students in Ramhormoz city. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated the effectiveness of a social media-based intervention, designed around the core components of The Guide training package. The study involves all high schools in Ramhormoz city using a stratified random sampling method. A total of 204 students are expected to participate. Measures of mental health literacy and attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help are evaluated at three time points: before the intervention (baseline), 3 months, and 6 months after the intervention. We anticipate a significant improvement in the mental health literacy score of the intervention group compared to the control group at post-intervention and both follow-ups. Additionally, we expect a substantial enhancement in the attitude towards seeking professional psychological help score for the intervention group compared to the control group at post-intervention and 6-month follow-up, though not at the 3-month follow-up. In conclusion, this study will contribute valuable insights into the effectiveness of social media-based interventions in enhancing mental health literacy and attitudes towards seeking professional help among high school students. The results will guide future initiatives in mental health education and promotion. This study protocol is registered with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) under the registration number IRCT20230603058372N1, dated June 5, 2023. The study adheres to the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines, as outlined in Supplementary File S1.

Attitudes towards the Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression among South Asian Muslim Americans Sadia Rahman Chaudhury While Muslim Americans are one of the fastest growing communities in the United States, very little is known about their mental health needs or concerns. In an effort to better understand their mental health needs, this study explores the attitudes towards the diagnosis and treatment of depression among South Asian Muslim Americans, specifically examining how acculturation shapes these attitudes. A sample of 427 South Asian Muslim Americans (mean age 30.67 years, 73.8% female) completed an anonymous survey on the internet. Participants answered questions about how strongly they agreed with certain diagnostic and treatment recommendations after reading two clinical vignettes, and completed the Attitudes towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale and the Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican-Americans II. Participants were also asked about their personal experiences with depression, religious identity; and demographic information. Results indicated that educated participants were more accepting of a clinical diagnosis of depression, while females and educated participants had more positive attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help for depression. Acculturation predicted more positive attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help for depression, but did not predict acceptance of a clinical diagnosis of depression, comfort level talking to people outside the family, likelihood of seeking professional help, or importance of ethnic match with mental health provider. Exploratory analyses were conducted to determine how personal history of depression shapes attitudes; however, this variable was not particularly salient in shaping attitudes in this sample. While the results suggest that acculturation did not play as strong a role in predicting attitudes as initially anticipated, several limitations, including the fact that the instrument used to measure acculturation and enculturation in this study has not been validated in this sample and that the sample may be more acculturated than the general South Asian Muslim American population, must be taken into consideration. The results of this study begin to shed light on the attitudes towards depression and its treatment in this community. Future studies should further explore the roles of acculturation and enculturation, while also collecting more personal qualitative information to more fully understand the experiences and needs of South Asian Muslim Americans.

Background The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of seeking professional help for mental health issues and explore its association with sociodemographic factors, various aspects of mental health literacy, and symptom severity. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2021 to January 2022 using a probability sample of Slovenians aged 18-64 (prepared by The Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia). Of the 9000 participants invited, 2677 (52.2% males) completed the survey (30% response rate) either online (78.9%) or in paper format (21.1%). The prevalence of mental health issues and professional help-seeking was assessed using self-developed questions. Logistic regression was used to test the probability of seeking professional help, with predictor variables including sociodemographic, Depression literacy questionnaire (D-lit), Anxiety literacy questionnaire (A-lit), Inventory of Attitudes Toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS), General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), General mental health (self-developed question). Results Among those who reported having mental health issues currently or in the past (44% of the sample), 46.6 % had never sought professional help. The logistic regression model was statistically significant (p < 0.001, χ2 (df)= 214,637(16)), revealing that women, older participants, those with higher score on A-lit, GHSQ, and those participants which reported worse general mental health were more likely to seek professional help. The variable D-lit, as well as PHQ-8, GAD-7, and subjective social status, were not significant predictors. For education and the variable IASMHS, only some of the predictors were statistically significant. Conclusions The study highlights the need for systematic approaches and targeted interventions at the national level to promote and enhance seeking professional help for mental health issues. Key messages • The study found a large help-seeking gap for mental health issues, with only specific aspects of mental health literacy (eg anxiety literacy) being significant predictors of seeking professional help.

Mental health conditions are highly prevalent, and both supply- and demand-side factors drive a high treatment gap. There is a dearth of socio-culturally appropriate measures to assess barriers to professional help-seeking in distressed non-treatment seekers. This study aimed to develop and validate the Barriers to Seek Professional Help for Mental Health Scale for distressed, non-treatment-seeking young adults experiencing common mental health concerns in the Indian context. The study was conducted in three phases: Phase I: development of initial measure; Phase II: scale try-out (N = 190); and Phase III: validating the factor structure (N = 172). Distressed, non-treatment-seeking young adults (20-35 years old) were recruited for the present study. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify the factor structure, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to validate it. EFA showed that a five-factor structure best fits the data, namely, stigma and minimization, instrumental barriers, problem perception, self-efficacy in service utilization, and negative service expectancies. CFA revealed that the model was a reasonably good fit. The scale was finalized into a 24-item measure. Internal consistency reliabilities of the scale and subscales were satisfactory. Correlation patterns of barriers subscales with help negation, help-seeking inclination, and distress support its convergent validity. The Barriers to Seek Professional Help for Mental Health Scale was developed, and preliminary evidence supports its reliability, construct, and convergent validity. The scale could prove valuable for assessing barriers to seeking professional help for mental health in the Indian context, developing help-seeking interventions, and examining their effectiveness in increasing the uptake of mental health services.

BackgroundSelf-stigma and negative attitudes toward mental illness have been identified as significant barriers that hinder individuals from seeking psychological assistance, leading to adverse consequences in their lives.AimThis study aimed to assess mental health stigma and internship nursing students’ attitudes toward seeking professional help.MethodsA cross-sectional design was conducted in the current study including a purposive sample of 228 participants of internship nursing students using a Socio-demographic data sheet, Self-Stigma of Seeking Help scale (SSOSH), and Attitude toward seeking professional psychological help scale (ATSPPH). The data acquisition period spanned from August to November 2022.ResultsThis study revealed significant insights into the attitudes of internship nursing students toward seeking professional psychological help. Gender emerged as a notable factor, with males exhibiting higher levels of self-stigma compared to females (mean = 2.872). Attitudes towards seeking professional help varied significantly based on age, gender, residence, and marital status. Specifically, participants aged 23 years, females, rural residents, and married individuals demonstrated the highest Mean scores reflecting attitudes that lean more positively towards seeking help. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.372, p < 0.01) was observed between self-stigma and attitudes toward seeking professional help.ConclusionThis study concluded that more than three-fifths of internship nursing students hadn’t stigma towards seeking professional psychological help while the vast majority had a positive attitude towards seeking professional psychological help. However, the majority of students reported that financial barriers, specifically the high cost of therapy, prevent them from seeking psychological help. This highlights the need for more affordable mental health services for this population.