Help-seeking Sources Research Articles

Factors that impact mental health help-seeking in Australian adolescents: a life-course and socioecological perspective.

Help-seeking provides opportunities for early prevention and intervention of mental health problems. However, little is known about factors that impact help-seeking from a life-course and socioecological perspective. This study aimed to examine factors that impact adolescents' formal and informal help-seeking in three population groups: the whole population, adolescents with depressive symptoms and adolescents with anxiety symptoms. We drew on data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children birth cohort. Participants were followed from birth to 14-15 years. Based on previous literature and life-course and socioecological models, we measured a range of factors at individual and family, interpersonal and community levels at three time points (0-1 year, 4-5 years and 12-13 years). Outcomes at 14-15 years were help-seeking behaviours divided into three categories (formal help from health professionals, close informal help from friends and family members and broad informal help from other sources). Generalised linear models with logit-binomial links were used. There were varying and common patterns of influencing factors across the three population groups and sources of help-seeking. In the whole population, five common factors (female, previous depressive or anxiety symptoms, discrimination and bully victimisation) were associated with all three sources of help-seeking. Among adolescents with depressive or anxiety symptoms, four common barriers to help-seeking were male adolescents, speaking a language other than English, having poor relationships with peers and less social support. Both intrinsic and extrinsic barriers exist for adolescents' mental health help-seeking. There are priority groups of adolescents with mental health problems who are unlikely to seek support and warrant attention. There is a need for multisector collaborations to address barriers to mental health care and promote help-seeking among adolescents.

Perceived helpfulness of various sources of help for 5 mental illnesses

Introduction1 in 8 people worldwide live with a mental illness (MI). This is expected to rise with increasing societal pressures. Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments, MIs remain undertreated. In Singapore, efforts such as the ‘It’s OK to Reach Out’ campaign was launched to encourage help-seeking. Help-seeking behavior is complex; determined by an interplay of factors including perceptions towards help sources. As seeking ineffective sources contributes to unmet needs, understanding beliefs towards various sources of help is vital.ObjectivesThe study aims to examine perceived helpfulness of various sources of help for 5 mental illnesses and changes in perceptions towards them over time.MethodsThe Mind Matters 2023 (M2) is an ongoing nationwide survey of mental health literacy among Singapore residents aged 18-65 years. Analysis is based on a preliminary sample (N=2500). Interviewers read a vignette depicting 1 of 5 randomly assigned MIs- depression (DP), schizophrenia (SZ), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), alcohol abuse (AA) or dementia (DT). Respondents were asked to rate whether 10 Professional/Informal sources and 12 Actions were ‘helpful, ‘harmful’ or ‘neither’ for the person in the vignette. Frequencies of helpful ratings were compared with the first Mind Matters study (M1) conducted in 2015 (N=3006).ResultsIn M2, seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist and counsellor were rated helpful most frequently (79%-96%) while seeking traditional medicine and religious advisors were rated the least (12%-60%) across the vignettes, except for DT where doctor and close family (81%-85%) replaced psychologist and counsellor (66%-70%). Compared to M1, phone counselling saw an increase in helpfulness rating across all vignettes (p<.05) except AA. For Actions, reading about how others dealt with similar problems was rated helpful most frequently (76%-89%) while dealing with problems on one’s own was rated the least across all vignettes (3%-11%) in M2. Compared to M1, being more social saw an increase in helpfulness (p<.001) rating for DP but a decrease for AA (p<.001). Admission to an institution was associated with a decrease in helpfulness rating for DP (p=.006) and OCD (p=.04) but increase for AA (p=.03).ConclusionsThe findings suggest recognition that MIs would be helped by professionals and self-reliance is ineffective to address these problems. Increased perceived helpfulness of telephone counselling was promising as studies have shown high client satisfaction coupled with its potential in reducing some barriers to care. Differences in directional changes in helpfulness rating for institutional care and socialising for DP and AA may represent understanding of the importance of behavioral activation and stimulus control for these MIs respectively. Literacy regarding help-seeking sources has improved in Singapore over the last 8 years which may translate into increments in seeking appropriate care.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Child and youth mental health and wellbeing before and after returning to in-person learning in secondary schools in the context of COVID-19.

As children reintegrate with in-person classroom learning after COVID-19, health and education institutions should remain mindful of students' mental health. There is a paucity of data on changes in students' mental health before, during and after their return to in-person classroom learning. We collected and analyzed data on self-reported wellbeing, general mental health, perceived stress, and help-seeking attitudes from grade 7-12 students in a Catholic school division in Canada (n = 258 at baseline; n = 132 at follow-up). Outcomes were compared according to demographic differences such as gender, grade level, experience accessing mental health services, and presence of support staff between baseline and follow-up. Effects of time points and each demographic variable on each outcome and on the prediction of students' mental health were also analyzed. No significant differences were apparent for outcomes between baseline and follow-up. However, specific subgroups: junior high students, male students, students who had not accessed mental health services, and students who had access to support-staff had better outcomes than their counterparts. From baseline to follow-up, male students reported mental health decline [Mean = 11.79, SD = 6.14; Mean = 16.29, SD = 7.47, F(1, 333) = 8.36, p < 0.01]; students who had not accessed mental health services demonstrated greater stress [Mean = 20.89, SD = 4.09; Mean = 22.28, SD = 2.24, F(1, 352) = 6.20, p < 0.05]; students who did not specify a binary gender reported improved general mental health [Mean = 19.87, SD = 5.89; Mean = 13.00, SD = 7.40, F(1, 333) = 8.70, p < 0.01], and students who did not have access to support-staff improved help-seeking attitudes [Mean = 22.32, SD = 4.62; Mean = 24.76, SD = 4.81; F(1, 346) = 5.80, p < 0.05]. At each time point, students indicated parents, guardians, and close friends as their most-preferred help-seeking sources. High stress predicted lower wellbeing at baseline, but higher wellbeing at follow-up. Students presented stable mental health. Subgroups with decreased mental health may benefit from extra mental health support through building capacity among teachers and health care professionals to support students following public health emergencies.

Economic Abuse and Help-Seeking Intentions Among Adolescents.

Economic adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) includes coercive behaviors leading to interference with education, employment, and finances. To date, no study has examined help seeking among adolescents and young adults if they were to experience economic ARA. The goals of this article include examining: (a) help-seeking intentions of adolescents regarding economic ARA; (b) help-seeking sources and reasons for not seeking help; and (c) differences in help-seeking intentions based on age, race/ethnicity, gender identity, and experiences of economic ARA. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adolescents ages 13-19 focused on economic ARA experiences and help seeking. We performed descriptive statistics of help-seeking intentions, sources, and barriers. We utilized logistic regression, adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and gender identity, to explore associations between economic ARA victimization and help-seeking intentions. Of 2,852 participants, 56% said they would seek help for economic ARA. Adolescents with positive help-seeking intentions shared that they would seek help from their parents (43%) or friends (35%). Those less likely to seek help were concerned about others finding out (32%), not being believed (31%), or authority figures being notified (31%). Help-seeking intentions were lower among Black/African American adolescents (aOR = 0.55, CI [0.43, 0.70]) and Multiracial adolescents (aOR = 0.26, CI [0.16, 0.42]) compared to White adolescents. Help-seeking intentions were higher among gender diverse adolescents (aOR = 5.78, CI [2.98, 11.22]) and those ages 15-17 years (aOR = 1.84, CI [1.36, 2.47]) compared to those identifying as female and ages 18-19 years. Help-seeking intentions were lower among adolescents who experienced economic ARA (aOR = 0.61, CI [0.51, 0.72]). While the majority of adolescents reported that they would seek help if they experienced economic ARA, those who had experienced economic ARA were less likely to report intentions to seek help. Supportive interventions for adolescents experiencing economic ARA are needed.

Gender specificity of self-stigma, public stigma, and help-seeking sources of mental disorders in youths.

Gender specificity of self-stigma, public stigma, and help-seeking sources of mental disorders in youths.

Caregivers’ knowledge, perception, and management of childhood pneumonia: A study in tribal district of India

Abstract Introduction: Childhood pneumonia, if identified early, is readily treatable through low-cost antibiotics. The study aimed to understand the family caregivers’ knowledge and care-seeking behavior for the management of childhood pneumonia. The study was cross-sectional, with mixed methods assessing knowledge, perceptions, and practices of caregivers of under-five children on pneumonia using a vignette. Methodology: Systematic random sampling was used to select the participants. Of 107, more than half of the respondents were 18–25 years old. Results: Less than one-fourth were illiterate. Cough, flu, and stomach distention were the commonly reported symptoms. Food ingestion was reported as a main perceived cause; private doctors and traditional healers were the most reported source of help-seeking. Friend/family were reported as leading sources of information. Health education is to be imparted using local knowledge regarding childhood pneumonia. Traditional healers and private practitioners sensitize in early management and referral of childhood pneumonia cases. Conclusions: Information, education and communication messages need to be prepared in the local languages. Strengthening the public health sector is suggested.

Mental health sources for Catholics in Marondera, Zimbabwe

Mental health is a neglected issue, mainly in Africa, regardless of the vast rates of mental disorders. The study aimed to explore mental health help-seeking sources for Catholics in Marondera. The qualitative approach and phenomenological design were used in this research with the use of in-depth, semi-structured interviews as data collection instruments. A sample of 20 Catholics participated in this study. In selecting the participants, a convenience sampling technique was used. Analysis of data was made by using the themes that arose from the research. The study established that there are perceived reasons that determine help-seeking behaviour, Catholics seek help from hospitals, church leaders and traditional healers and they have coping mechanisms that they resort to. The findings from this research propose opportunities for identification on how policy can improve on recognising, accommodating and addressing the mental health needs of Catholics, as well as other religious communities. Keywords: Catholics, mental health, help-seeking, sources, Marondera

Should we be paying more attention to firearm threats in ex-partner stalking cases?

This study examined relationship abuse, firearm threats, and threat credibility factors as well as help-seeking for (ex)partner-stalking victims with partners who did (n=153) and did not own guns (n=263). Victims with (ex)partners who owned guns experienced increased coercive control and physical violence, a longer duration of stalking, and more threats during the relationship and during the course of stalking. Victims reported that (ex)partner gun owners had more extremist beliefs and other risk factors, and more of them believed their (ex)partner was extremely capable of harming them. Most, regardless of partner gun ownership, turned to informal sources of help, while about one-quarter of victims whose partners did not own guns tried to obtain a protective order or talked to police, compared to about 40% of stalking victims with abusers who owned guns. Fear of harm from guns, coercive control during the relationship, and believing their partner was capable of harming harm them were all associated with an increased number of help-seeking sources whereas being threatened with a firearm and abuser gun ownership were not.

Psychometric properties of the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire in university students

University students show a high prevalence of mental disorders and low levels of help-seeking for psychological problems. In Chile there are no valid and reliable measures of help-seeking intentions for this group. The aim of this study is to examine the psychometric properties of the General Help Seeking Questionnaire, vignette version (GHSQ-V) in a sample of university students from southern Chile. Results indicate that the GHSQ-V is a valid instrument, with a two-factor structure that reflects the existence of two dimensions of help-seeking sources (formal and informal), for five mental health problems that are prevalent among university students. Adequate levels of internal consistency and evidence of convergent validity were shown, although variability was found between subscales. The current study confirms the importance of an accurate measurement of help seeking intentions in university students, for a better understanding of a highly relevant process for the treatment of mental health problems in this group.

Supplemental Material for Gender Specificity of Self-Stigma, Public Stigma, and Help-Seeking Sources of Mental Disorders in Youths

Supplemental Material for Gender Specificity of Self-Stigma, Public Stigma, and Help-Seeking Sources of Mental Disorders in Youths

Lower help-seeking intentions mediate subsequent depressive symptoms among adolescents with high autistic traits: a population-based cohort study

Adolescents with high autistic traits are at increased risk of depression. Despite the importance of seeking help for early intervention, evidence on help-seeking intentions amongst this population is scarce. Using a population-based cohort in Japan, we examined adolescents’ help-seeking intentions and preferences by the level of autistic traits and tested its mediating role on the association between high autistic traits and depressive symptoms. At age 12, we measured parent-rated autistic traits using the short version of the Autism Spectrum Quotient and classified the adolescents into two groups (≥ 6 as AQhigh, < 6 as AQlow); help-seeking intentions and preferences were assessed through a depression vignette. At age 14, depressive symptoms were self-rated using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire. Hypothesised associations between autistic traits and help-seeking intentions or depressive symptoms were tested applying multivariable regression modelling, while mediation was tested with structural equation modelling. Of the 2505 adolescent participants, 200 (8%) were classified as AQhigh. In both groups, the main source of help-seeking was their family; however, 40% of the AQhigh group reported having no help-seeking intentions compared to 27% in the AQlow. The AQhigh group was at increased risk of not having help-seeking intentions (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.35–2.50) and higher depressive symptoms (b coefficient 1.06, 0.33–1.79). Help-seeking intentions mediated 18% of the association mentioned above. Interventions to promote help-seeking intentions among adolescents with high autistic traits could reduce their subsequent depressive symptoms. Ideally, such interventions should be provided prior to adolescence and with the involvement of their parents.

Preferred sources of help for mental health problems among Chilean adolescents: a descriptive study.

A timely search for professional help regarding mental health issues in adolescents is critical in preventing severe disorders. However, adolescents generally tend not to seek help. This investigation aimed to study Chilean adolescents' willingness to seek help in mental health issues by identifying their preferred help-seeking sources. We conducted a cross-sectional-correlational study with 493 high school students between 14 and 19 years of age (mean ± standard deviation = 16.28 ± 1.29). The instruments we used were the general help-seeking questionnaire (vignette version), adapted and validated in Chile, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data showed that adolescents are more willing to seek help from informal rather than from formal sources. We identified no sex differences in terms of willingness to seek help from formal sources. However, males were more willing to seek help from informal sources. Similar to other cultures, Chilean adolescents are more willing to seek help from informal sources regarding mental health problems.

Mental Health, Life Satisfaction, Supportive Parent Communication, and Help-seeking Sources in the wake of COVID-19: First-generation College Students (FGCS) Vs. Non-first-generation College Students (non-FGCS)

ABSTRACT Using a cross-sectional survey (N = 1,225), this study examines the psychological well-being (stress, anxiety, depression), life satisfaction, supportive parent communication, and likelihood to seek mental and emotional support from different sources between FGCSs and non-FGCSs during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that while FGCSs and non-FGCSs report similar levels of stress and depression, FGCSs have higher anxiety and lower life satisfaction and supportive parent communication than non-FGCSs. Although supportive parent communication is negatively associated with stress, anxiety, and depression and positively associated with life satisfaction in both groups, these associations are stronger for FGCSs than non-FGCSs. Further, FGCSs are less likely to seek mental and emotional help from family and friends than non-FGCSs, while these help-seeking behaviors may mitigate their mental distress and enhance their life satisfaction. We address college mental disparity and highlight the lack of interpersonal support for FGCSs’ mental wellness during this health crisis.

Help-seeking for mental health concerns: review of Indian research and emergent insights

PurposeThe purpose of this review was to examine Indian research on help-seeking for mental health problems in adults.Design/methodology/approachOriginal Indian research studies on help-seeking for mental health, published from the year 2001−2019 were searched on PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest and OVID using a set of relevant keywords. After applying exclusion criteria, 52 relevant research studies were identified.FindingsThe reviewed studies spanned a variety of themes such as barriers and facilitators to help-seeking, sources of help-seeking, causal attributions as well as other correlates of help-seeking, process of help-seeking and interventions to increase help-seeking. The majority of these studies were carried out in general community samples or treatment-seeking samples. Very few studies incorporated non-treatment seeking distressed samples. There is a severe dearth of studies on interventions to improve help-seeking. Studies indicate multiple barriers to seeking professional help and highlight that mere knowledge about illness and availability of professional services may be insufficient to minimize delays in professional help-seeking.Originality/valueHelp-seeking in the Indian context is often a family-based decision-making process. Multi-pronged help-seeking interventions that include components aimed at reducing barriers experienced by non-treatment seeking distressed persons and empowering informal support providers with knowledge and skills for encouraging professional help-seeking in their significant others may be useful.

Perceived Social Support and Help-seeking among U.S. Chinese Older Adults with Elder Mistreatment

Background/Purpose: Older immigrants are at risk of experiencing marginalization and social exclusion. Traditional Chinese culture values could deeply influence the older Chinese immigrants’ perceptions regarding mistreatment and motivating them to seek help. This study aimed to examine the associations between perceived social support and informal/formal help-seeking intentions and behaviors among U.S. Chinese older adults experiencing elder mistreatment. Methods: Data derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Independent variables were positive and negative perceived social support. Dependent variables were informal/formal help-seeking intentions and behaviors. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 423 participants experienced elder mistreatment (mean age: 72.4 ±7.88 years old). The most common informal help-seeking sources were adult children, followed by partner, and friends/neighbors/colleagues. The most common sources of formal help-seeking were community social services organizations and the legal criminal justice system. After controlling for covariates, positive perceived social support was associated with informal help-seeking intentions (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 1.05-1.24, p < .01) and behaviors (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22, p < .01). However, the associations between perceived social support and formal help-seeking intentions and behaviors were not significant. Conclusions & Implications: Further research is needed to examine the mediating effects of cultural values on the relationship between perceived social support and help-seeking among mistreated older Chinese immigrants. In addition, additional studies are needed to identify impede or facilitate factors of informal/formal elder mistreatment help-seeking. Prevention and intervention programs should incorporate valuable cultural insight to improve help-seeking among this population.

Examining Decision-Making Processes and Heuristics in Academic Help-Seeking and Instructional Environments

College students often need to seek academic help, especially in online environments. Students may choose from variety of options for help, including their instructor, the internet, and friends. Current research efforts fail to fully explain undergraduate students’ source selection process available in a real-world context. A holistic, learner-centered approach to understanding the decision-making process may result in more effective instructional practices to increase student help-seeking behavior. This study explored how college students describe their decision-making process regarding the selection of help-seeking sources. Interviews were conducted with 25 undergraduate students in their third or fourth year of study to explore their decision-making process when selecting academic help sources. Several themes emerged from the data regarding how participants described their decision-making process checkpoints. The examination of decision-making heuristics may provide a new method to explore help-seeking behavior. Implications for further research exploring decision-making processes associated with academic help-seeking are discussed.

Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking Among Ethiopian Women.

Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread phenomenon in Ethiopia, the relationship between help-seeking sources and IPV is not well understood. Better understanding of this relationship could play a role in preventing IPV. We used data collected in the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey and limited our study to women who have ever been married, aged 15 to 49years (n = 4469). Overall, the proportions of women who have ever experienced emotional abuse, physical, or sexual violence were 24%, 23.1%, and 10.1%. Women who sought informal help (family) were 2.42 times more likely (OR = 2.42; CI 1.29-4.55) to have ever experienced emotional abuse than women who did not seek family help. Neither formal nor informal help-seeking significantly associated with physical or sexual violence. The results may indicate difficulties women face in seeking help and cultural and social norms that tolerate IPV as an acceptable part of family life in Ethiopia.

Immigration, acculturation, and preferred help-seeking sources for depression: comparison of five ethnic groups

BackgroundImmigrants are more likely than the majority population to have unmet needs for public mental health services. This study aims to understand potential ethnic differences in preferred help-seeking sources for depression in Norway, and how such preferences relate to acculturation orientation.MethodsA convenience sample of immigrants from Russia (n = 164), Poland (n = 127), Pakistan (n = 128), and Somalia (n = 114), and Norwegian students (n = 250) completed a survey. The sample was recruited from social media platforms, emails, and direct contact. The survey consisted of a vignette describing a moderately depressed person. Respondents were asked to provide advice to the person by completing a modified version of the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire. The immigrant sample also responded to questions about acculturation orientation using the Vancouver Index of Acculturation Scale.ResultsSignificant differences were found in the endorsement of traditional (e.g., religious leader), informal (e.g., family), and semiformal (e.g., internet forum) help-sources between immigrant groups, and between immigrant groups and the Norwegian respondent group. Immigrants from Pakistan and Somalia endorsed traditional help sources to a greater extent than immigrants from Russia and Poland, and the Norwegian student sample. There were no ethnic differences in endorsement of formal mental help sources (e.g., a medical doctor). Maintenance of the culture of origin as the acculturation orientation was associated with preferences for traditional and informal help sources, while the adoption of mainstream culture was associated with semiformal and formal help-seeking sources.ConclusionEthnic differences in help-seeking sources need to be considered when designing and implementing mental health services.

Mothers' views of health problems in the 12 months after childbirth: A concept mapping study.

To identify the health problems that women feel require help and subsequent help-seeking behaviour during the 12 months period after childbirth. Many women experience physical and mental health problems after childbirth, but there is a gap in understanding how they perceive their health after childbirth. Studies suggested they are inhibited in expressing their needs and so seek informal rather than professional help for their health problems. A mixed methodconcept mapping study. Two groups of Australian women were recruited by an online platform and purposive sampling (N=81) in 2017-2018, based on an established concept mapping methodology. A first group created 83 brainstorm statementsabout post-childbirth health problems and help-seeking and a second group sorted and rated the statements basedon their perception of the prevalence of the issues and the help-seeking advicethey would offer to others. Bradshaw`s Taxonomy of Needswas used to theoretically underpins the explanation of the results of women's felt need after childbirth. Multidimensional scaling resulted in six clusters of issueswhichwere categorized into three domains: 'health issues and care', 'support' and 'fitness'. Despite being directly asked, about two-thirds of the women did not report experiencing any health problems. Our findings showed women had a broader perception of healthcare needs which included support and fitness. There is a potential gap in services for women who do not have good social support. Family and friends were a key source of help-seeking. Post-childbirth routine care was focused on infant care and limited to the first 6 weeks after childbirth. The content of current post-childbirth care must be reviewed.

Survey of Chinese persons managing depressive symptoms: Help-seeking behaviours and their influencing factors

ObjectivesTo explore help-seeking behaviours of Chinese persons managing depressive symptoms and factors that influence these behaviours. MethodsA survey of residents living in communities in Wuhan, China was conducted using stratified random sampling. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), the Actual Help-Seeking Questionnaire (AHSQ) and a socio-demographic questionnaire were completed by participants. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. A multiple linear regression model was used to explore factors associated with help-seeking behaviours. ResultsOf the 1785 respondents, 672 (37.6%) reported that they experienced depressive symptoms during the past year, and of these respondents, 517 (76.9%) indicated that they sought assistance. Among help-seeking sources utilized by participants, informal help was sought most frequently (72.9%), followed by hotline/Internet assistance (14.3%), mental health professionals (MHPs) (7.9%) and general physicians (GPs) (3.7%). The results of multilinear regression analysis showed that participants who were adults (aged 25–64 years), attended junior and high school (7–12 years education), and lived in urban areas were more likely to seek additional assistance for their depressive symptoms. ConclusionMental health promotion and education efforts are needed to improve the public’s mental health literacy and to promote appropriate utilization of informal sources of assistance in managing depressive symptoms such as a hotline or the Internet. Further interventions need to be considered to reinforce use of social supports and mental health professionals, especially in rural areas.