Mental Health Help-seeking Behavior Research Articles

청년의 정신건강 리터러시와 도움요청 행동 - 도움요청에 관한 낙인, 태도, 의도의 매개효과 분석 -

본 연구의 목적은 우리나라 20대 청년의 정신건강 리터러시가 정신건강 도움요청 행동에 미치는 영향을 살펴보고, 도움요청에 대한 낙인, 태도, 의도의 매개 효과를 확인하는 데 있다. 이를 위해 20대 청년 411명에 대한 온라인 설문조사를 통해 자료를 수집하고 도움요청의 자원별로 정신건강 리터러시, 사회적 낙인, 자기 낙인, 태도, 그리고 의도로 구성된 구조모형 총 4가지를 구성하여 이들 요인 간 구조적 관계를 검증하였다. 연구결과, 연구모형 1(정신의료 서비스이용 모형)과 연구모형 2(상담·심리치료 서비스이용 모형)의 경우, 정신건강 리터러시가 서비스 이용에 영향을 미치는 과정에서 영향요인 간 직·간접 영향이 유의했다. 그러나 연구모형 3(지역사회 정신건강 서비스이용 모형)과 연구모형 4(온라인·전화상담 서비스이용 모형)의 경우, 영향요인 간 관계성은 도움요청 의도까지만 유의했으며 각각의 도움요청 행동에는 유의한 직·간접 영향을 미치지 않는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 정신건강 리터러시가 정신의료와 심리치료 도움요청 행동에 대한 결정을 촉진하는 주요 요인임을 보여주는 것으로서, 20대 청년을 대상으로 한 정신건강 예방 및 증진 서비스 마련에 있어 정신건강 리터러시 수준 향상에 중점을 둔 전략의 필요성과 중요성을 잘 보여주고 있다. 이에 결론에서는 20대 청년을 위한 정신건강 리터러시 교육의 필요성과 온오프라인 교육 전략, 기존의 정신건강서비스 기관을 비롯하여 청년 관련 사업을 수행하는 기관의 서비스 보완 및 확장 방안을 제시하였다.

Attitude and help-seeking behavior of the community towards mental health problems.

BackgroundCommunity attitude towards mental health problems and help-seeking behavior plays a major role in designing effective community based mental health interventions. This study aimed to assess the attitude, help-seeking behavior, and associated factors of the Jimma zone community towards mental health and mental health problems.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A respondent from each of the 423 systematically selected households was interviewed using a pretested, structured, and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Accordingly, a community’s attitude towards mental health problems was measured by the adapted version of the “Community Attitude towards Mentally Ill questionnaire (CAMI)” and help-seeking behavior was measured by a general help-seeking questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to determine the independent predictors of the outcome variable.ResultsAmong the total 420 study participants (197,46.9%) of them had an overall unfavorable attitude towards mental illness. The majority (153,36.4%) of the study participants agreed on avoidance of anyone who has mental health problems and (150,35.7%) participants described marrying a person with a mental health problem or recovered from the problem is foolishness. Moreover, regression analysis showed family monthly income (AOR = 0.24, 95%CI:0.06–0.91) and occupational status (AOR = 0.57, 95%CI:0.34–0.96) were found to be the predictors of community attitude towards mental health problems. The study finding also revealed a significant number of the respondents preferred non- medical treatment approaches.ConclusionAlmost half of the respondents had an unfavorable attitude towards mental health problems and the traditional and religious help-seeking intention was high. This suggests the need for designing effective community based mental health interventions to improve the general public attitude and help-seeking behavior towards mental health problems.

Effects of a Mobile and Web App (Thought Spot) on Mental Health Help-Seeking Among College and University Students: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundMental health disorders are the most prevalent health issues among postsecondary students, yet few solutions to this emerging crisis exist. While mobile health technologies are touted as promising solutions for the unmet mental health needs of these students, the efficacy of these tools remains unclear. In response to these gaps, this study evaluates Thought Spot, a mobile and web app created through participatory design research.ObjectiveThe goal of the research is to examine the impact of Thought Spot on mental health and wellness help-seeking intentions, behaviors, attitudes, self-stigma, and self-efficacy among postsecondary students in Canada.MethodsA 2-armed randomized controlled trial involving students from three postsecondary institutions was conducted. Students were eligible if they were aged 17 to 29 years, enrolled in full-time or part-time studies, functionally competent in English, and had access to a compatible digital device. The usual care group received a mental health services information pamphlet. The intervention group received the Thought Spot app on their digital device. Thought Spot is a standalone app that allows users to add, review, and search crowdsourced information about nearby mental health and wellness services. Users can also track their mood on the app. Outcomes were self-assessed through questionnaires collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months. The primary outcome was change in formal help-seeking intentions from baseline to 6 months, measured by the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire. A mixed-effects model was used to compare the impact of usual care and intervention on the primary outcome (formal help-seeking intentions). Secondary outcomes included changes in informal help-seeking intentions and help-seeking behaviors, help-seeking attitudes, self-stigma, and self-efficacy.ResultsA total of 481 students were randomized into two groups: 240 to usual care, and 241 to the intervention group. There were no significant differences in help-seeking intentions between the usual care and intervention groups over 6 months (F2,877=0.85; P=.43, f=0.04). Both groups demonstrated similar increases in formal help-seeking intentions at 3 and 6 months (F2,877=23.52; P<.001, f=0.21). Compared with males, females sought more help from formal resources (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.22 to 2.83, P=.001). Females were less likely to seek help from informal sources than males (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.73, P<.001).ConclusionsPrompting postsecondary students about mental health and help-seeking appears to increase help-seeking intentions. mHealth interventions may be as effective as information pamphlets in increasing formal help-seeking but may confer a small advantage in driving help-seeking from informal sources. Although there is enthusiasm, developers and health policy experts should exercise caution and thoroughly evaluate these types of digital tools. Future studies should explore the cost-effectiveness of digital interventions and develop strategies for improving their efficacy.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03412461; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03412461International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.2196/resprot.6446

Instagram as a Window to Societal Perspective on Mental Health, Gender, and Race: Observational Pilot Study.

BackgroundGender and race are known to impact attitudes toward mental health topics and help-seeking behavior. Men and minorities are more likely to cite stigma as a reason for not seeking help for mental health concerns, which is of particular relevance given the high rate of suicide in men and challenges of historic proportion currently facing minority communities. Instagram provides a platform to discuss mental health, though a lack of male and minority representation may further alienate these populations.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate whether men and nonwhite individuals are underrepresented in Instagram photos tagged with #mentalhealth (compared to photos tagged with #health) to better understand how gender and race-based representations are manifested on this popular social media platform and discuss the implications.MethodsThree investigators of different genders and racial backgrounds met on nine different days via teleconference to analyze a total of 215 publicly available Instagram photos tagged with #mentalhealth and 215 with #health. These photos were generated using Instagram’s search function, and search results were sorted by most recently published at the time of data collection. For each photo, the three investigators recorded their observations about the gender (male versus female) and race (white versus nonwhite versus racially unclassifiable) of subjects featured in the photo, which they did not discuss with other investigators. Chi-squared analysis was performed on each investigator’s data set to compare the frequency of male versus female and white versus nonwhite subjects identified in each hashtag category. Kappa interrater agreement was calculated for each investigator pair, category (gender or race), and hashtag.ResultsAll three investigators observed significantly more female as compared to male subjects in photos tagged with #mentalhealth (X2=14.4, P<.001 for all investigators) while observing no significant difference between numbers of male and female subjects in photos tagged with #health (X2=1.533, P=.22; X2=1.241, P=.27; X2=0.096, P=.76). All three investigators identified significantly more white than nonwhite subjects in photos tagged with both #health and #mentalhealth (X2 values range from 11.912 to 98.927, P<.001 for all). Kappa interrater agreement revealed almost perfect agreement for gender (kappa=0.908-0.992) with the agreement for race ranging from 0.614 to 0.822, depending on hashtag and rater pair.ConclusionsWomen are featured more frequently than men in Instagram photos tagged with #mentalhealth. The topic of #health, meanwhile, is not gendered this way. Low visibility of mental health among men may both represent and exacerbate existing stigma and barriers to care. White subjects are featured significantly more frequently than nonwhite subjects in photos tagged with both #mentalhealth and #health. Directed interventions using the Instagram platform may be indicated to increase the visibility of underrepresented groups and break the cycle of stigma.

Mental Health Literacy Intervention on Help-Seeking in Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Mental health literacy (MHL) is recognised as a major factor in whether athletes seek help when they experience mental health difficulties. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide a systematic review of the effectiveness of MHL training programmes in improving mental health knowledge and help-seeking and reducing stigma among athletes. To identify intervention studies of MHL programmes, five electronic databases were systematically searched for articles published before May 2020. The selection procedure was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All kinds of study designs were included. Effect sizes were calculated for mental health knowledge, stigma reduction and help-seeking attitudes, intentions and behaviours. Risk of bias was assessed for each study using the Cochrane tool and the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scale. Five studies (1239 participants in total) were selected for review. Overall, either small or medium effects were found for mental health knowledge, stigma reduction, help-seeking attitudes, and intentions for post- and follow-up interventions, whereas a null effect was found in help-seeking behaviours for both post- and follow-up interventions. Furthermore, three studies had a low risk of bias, and two had a high risk of bias. MHL interventions can enhance help-seeking attitudes and intentions and mental health knowledge and reduce stigma but do not increase help-seeking behaviours for now. Further studies should evaluate interventions to enhance help-seeking behaviours. Furthermore, the methodological quality of studies, including randomized controlled trials and other designs, should be improved in future research.

Examining mental health literacy, help-seeking behaviours, distress, and wellbeing in UK coaches

Although research has explored stress in coaches, little is known about their mental health literacy and how this is associated with their mental health. Their mental health literacy may have an impact on the wellbeing of their young players. This study examined levels of mental health literacy, help-seeking behaviours, distress, and wellbeing, as well as relationships amongst these variables, in coaches in the United Kingdom. Coaches were recruited through social media and asked to fill out questionnaires. A total of 103 coaches ( n = 65 men, n = 37 women, n = 1 other gender) participated in the study. Coaches had an average age of 27.9 (SD = 10.6) years. Most self-identified as heterosexual ( n = 85, 82.5%), had four or more years of experience ( n = 46, 44.7%), coached children ( n = 77, 74.8%), and coached at either the beginner ( n = 30, 29.1%) or amateur levels ( n = 66, 64.1%). In total, 20 (19.4%) coaches indicated a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder. A total of 51 (49.5%) coaches indicated that, at the time of the completion of the survey, they exhibited symptoms of a mental disorder. Overall, the average mental health literacy score was 123.10 and lower than in previous studies. Mental health literacy was not significantly associated with help-seeking behaviour, distress, or wellbeing. General help-seeking behaviour was positively correlated with wellbeing. The results suggest that coach certification programmes could adopt strategies to help coaches improve their knowledge of mental health services and how such services may be accessed. These changes may improve the wellbeing of coaches and may benefit their athletes.

Understanding Mental Health Services and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among College Students in Vietnam

Objective: Due to the significant higher prevalence, yet less attention of mental health problems among Asian college students, we decided to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of mental health services and help-seeking behaviors in Vietnamese universities. By conducting this study, we hope to contribute to current literature on the factors that contribute to professional mental health taking behavior of college students in Vietnam as well as suggest strategies to reduce possible barriers that prevent them from seeking professional help.&#x0D; Design: We first conducted a pilot study to test the reliability and validity of our measurements. We then made necessary adjustments and distributed the final questionnaires to a university in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Collected data was analyzed through exploratory factor analysis.&#x0D; Results: Among the three measurements of psychological openness, help-seeking propensity, and indifference to stigma, results indicated that the model explains students’ help-seeking intention reasonably well than others.&#x0D; Conclusions: Using theory of planned behavior, this study aims at examining predictors of professional mental health seeking behavior among college students in Vietnam. Our findings indicate that help-seeking propensity significantly influences Vietnamese students’ intention to seek professional healthcare. Through this study, we suggest some guidance to the school administrators the factors that encourage students to take professional mental care.

Improving Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviours for Male Students: A Framework for Developing a Complex Intervention.

Men are less likely to seek help for mental health difficulties and this process is often used to help explain the disproportionally higher suicide rates compared to women. Furthermore, university students are often regarded as a vulnerable population group with a lower propensity to seek help. Thus, male students are a very high-risk group that is even more reluctant to seek help for mental health difficulties, placing them at high risk of suicide. Often, student mental health problems are highlighted in the media, but very few evidence-based solutions specifically designed for male students exist. The current paper seeks to provide a comprehensive framework about how to better design mental health interventions that seek to improve male students’ willingness to access psychological support. The Medical Research Council’s (MRC’s) framework for developing a complex intervention was used to develop an intervention relevant to male students. In this paper, previous help-seeking interventions and their evaluation methods are first described, secondly, a theoretical framework outlining the important factors male students face when accessing support, and thirdly, how these factors can be mapped onto a model of behaviour change to inform the development of an evidence-based intervention are discussed. Finally, an example intervention with specific functions and behaviour change techniques is provided to demonstrate how this framework can be implemented and evaluated. It is hoped that this framework can be used to help reduce the disparity between male and female students seeking mental health support.

대학생의 우울과 정신건강서비스 이용의 관계에서 정신건강정보이해능력의 매개효과

본 연구는 한국 대학생들의 우울 수준이 실제 정신건강서비스 이용에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지, 또한 정신건강정보이해능력(Mental Health Literacy)이 이들 간의 관계를 매개하는지 검증하였다. 2018년 11월부터 12월까지, 한국의 6개 대학에서 총 305명의 대학생을 대상으로 설문조사가 진행되었다. 수집된 자료는 SPSS 22.0을 사용하여 회귀분석과 로지스틱 회귀분석으로 분석되었다. 자료의 분석결과, 대학생들의 우울은 정신건강서비스 이용에 정적으로 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났으며 정신건강정보이해능력은 우울과 정신건강서비스 이용의 관계를 부분매개 하는 것으로 밝혀졌다. 즉, 필요(Need) 요인으로서 우울의 정신건강서비스 이용에 대한 영향에 대한 고려와 동시에 정신건강정보이해능력의 수준이 주요하게 개입되어 있다는 의미이며, 그 중요성이 드러난 만큼 대학생들의 정신건강서비스 이용의 활성화를 위한 정신건강정보이해능력의 향상을 위한 다양한 개입이 필요하다고 할 수 있다. 이러한 결과를 토대로 한국 대학생의 정신건강서비스 이용 촉진을 위한 정책적, 실천적 개입 방안을 제언하였다.

Does mental health literacy influence help-seeking behavior in medical students?

Introduction: Medical students are experiencing uncertainty in finding the appropriate help for their mental health problems. When they finally decide to seek help, some of them are already in a mental crisis. The suitable indicator for early identification of mental disorder is mental health literacy. Mental health literacy also functions as a tool to decrease stigma towards people with mental illness and to improve help-seeking behavior. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of mental health literacy to help-seeking behavior and to describe mental health literacy and help-seeking behavior of the medical students.Methods: The study design was observational analytical. Participants filled demographic data and answered questionnaire via an online file sharing platform. The questionnaires used in this study were Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). The influence of mental health literacy to help-seeking behavior was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: The respondents were 60 medical students. No differences of literacy and attitude were found across the admission years. Overall, the students had good literacy and attitude. Students showed lower scores in the MHLS attributes containing ideas about self-treatments, confidentiality, social distance, and reliance on self. Being literate in the total score of MHLS did not influence on having a good attitude in ATSPPH-SF (p=0.303). Only by being literate in attitudes that promote recognition and help-seeking, the students showed a good attitude in ATSPPH-SF (p-value=0.027). Conclusion: There was no influence on mental health literacy to help-seeking behavior.

Evaluating mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours in UK university students: a country wide study

Purpose Despite a high prevalence of mental health problems, few students know where to turn for support. The purpose of this study was to gain a UK wide perspective on levels of mental health literacy amongst university students and to examine the relationship between mental health literacy and mental health help-seeking behaviours. Design/methodology/approach A total of 300 university students in the UK participated in this online cross-sectional study. Participants filled out the mental health literacy scale, the general help-seeking questionnaire, Kessler psychological distress scale 10, The Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale and the self-compassion scale: short form. Findings Overall, 78 per cent of participants indicated mild or more severe symptoms of distress. Students reported lower levels of mental health literacy when compared to students in other nations. Women, bisexuals, and those with a history of mental disorders indicated high levels of mental health literacy. Participants indicated they were most likely to seek support from intimate partners and least likely to seek support from religious leaders. No significant correlations were found between mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours. Mental health literacy was not correlated with distress, mental well-being or self-compassion. Help-seeking behaviours were only significantly positively correlated with mental well-being. Originality/value Universities should address strategies to improve help-seeking behaviours in an effort to address overall mental well-being. Programmes may wish to help provide students with information about accessing face-to-face support systems. Environmental strategies to foster mental well-being on campus should also be explored.

Care-seeking behavior and disclosure on self-reported mental health among young women in urban Shanghai, China.

Mental health is a major public health concern in China. Help-seeking behavior typically does not involve professionals. Aim of the study was to assess Shanghai women’s care-seeking behavior for common mental health disorders. Using an online survey, fielding questions regarding perinatal mental health status and help-seeking behavior. A total of 487 women participated. One fifth of participants reporting badwell-being did not seek help for mental distress. A total of 82.2 percent seek online support. A majority entrusted in family and avoided professional contact. Mother-in-laws were the least trusted source of support. Shanghai women avoid seeking professional help for mental health issues. Friends, spouses, and online resources are preferred venues.

Mental health literacy in Pakistan: a narrative review

PurposeThe term “Mental health literacy” is defined as knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders which aid their recognition, management or prevention. The importance of health literacy for physical health is widely studied; however, the area of mental health literacy in Pakistan has been comparatively neglected. The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge about mental health in people living in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachRelevant literature relating to mental health literacy was identified through various database searches. The databases searched included: PubMed, Cochrane database of Systemic Reviews, PsycINFO using the terms mental health, mental health literacy, mental health education, Pakistan.FindingsLiterature suggests that there is dearth of knowledge about mental illnesses and their treatment among public. This review also highlights the importance of mental health literacy among professionals working in the field of health care. In Pakistan, due to low literacy rate, a high percentage of poverty and dearth of trained professionals warrants an emendation in approaches established for attaining the goal of public health and psychiatric care.Practical implicationsFindings have implications for practitioners in the field of mental health care as well as designing targeted interventions for enhancing mental health literacy and help-seeking behavior in the future.Originality/valueA limited understanding and lack of improvement in mental health literacy may interfere with society’s acceptance of evidence-based mental health care which may hamper the delivery of adequate mental health services to the needy.

Pharmacy and Medical Students’ Mental Health Symptoms, Experiences, Attitudes and Help-Seeking Behaviors

Objective. To examine and compare the prevalence of mental health problems, help-seeking attitudes, and perceptions about mental health problems among US pharmacy and medical students. Methods. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using existing, anonymous survey data collected in the Healthy Minds Study during the 2015-2016 academic year. The analysis included 482 students (159 pharmacy students and 323 medical students) from 23 institutions in the United States. Analyzed topics included demographic characteristics, mental health status and symptoms, substance abuse, stigma related to mental health, help-seeking behaviors and attitudes, and mental health treatment perceptions. Results. Pharmacy and medical students experienced similar rates of depression (18% met clinical cut-offs), but pharmacy students were more likely to meet clinical cutoffs for anxiety (21% vs 11%). Pharmacy students were less likely to seek help from student counseling services (only 11% vs 49%) and also less likely to know where to seek help on campus if needed. Pharmacy students also reported having higher levels of stigma regarding mental health treatment. Conclusion. There are differences between pharmacy and medical students with regards to their experience of mental health symptoms, willingness to seek help, and perception of stigma. Despite the small sample, this analysis of national data indicates that opportunities exist to improve campus-based mental health education and offerings for pharmacy and medical students.

Dua Ti Dawa Ti: understanding psychological distress in the ten districts of the Kashmir Valley and community mental health service needs

BackgroundAn extensive body of research exists looking at the level of psychological distress in populations affected by political conflict. Recommended response to psychological distress in humanitarian crises is still based on frameworks for interventions developed in western/European contexts including psychological first aid, counselling and group therapy. While there is growing, but limited, evidence that culturally modified interventions can lead to reduction in symptoms of psychological distress in conflict affected populations, there is a need to understand mental health help-seeking behaviour and mental health service needs from the perspective of affected communities.MethodsThis study employed a qualitative exploratory research design based on principles of grounded theory. A combination of convenience and snowball sampling was used to recruit 186 adults from the general population to 20 focus group discussions; 95 men, median age 40 years, interquartile range (IQR): 27–48 years and 91 women, median age 40 years IQR: 32–50 years. Trained Kashmiri facilitators used a semi-structured interview guide to ascertain community perceptions on mental illness, help-seeking and service needs from the perspective of communities in the Kashmir Valley. Content analysis of transcripts resulted in the identification of seven overarching themes.ResultsCommon locally recognized symptoms of psychological distress were synonymous with symptoms listed in the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Protracted political insecurity was highlighted as a major perceived cause of psychological distress in communities. Mental health help-seeking included traditional/spiritual healers in combination with practitioners of western medicine, with access highlighted as the main barrier. Divergent views were expressed on the effectiveness of treatment received. Participants’ expressed the need for investment in mental health literacy to improve the community’s capacity to recognize and support those suffering from psychological distress.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the universality of symptoms of psychological distress whilst simultaneously highlighting the importance of recognizing the cultural, spiritual and contextual framework within which psychological distress is understood and manifest. Co-constructed models of community based mental health services are needed.

Do Digital Health Interventions Improve Mental Health Literacy or Help-seeking Among Parents of Children Aged 2-12 Years? A Scoping Review.

Digital Health Interventions (DHIs) can improve mental health literacy (MHL) and help-seeking behaviour in teens and adults. However, it is unclear whether DHIs improve parental MHL, help-seeking behaviour or access to mental health services for their children. To perform a scoping review of DHIs aiming to improve MHL, help-seeking behaviour or access to mental health services among parents of 2-12-year-olds with behavioural and emotional problems (BEP). A search of Ovid MEDLINE found four original articles meeting inclusion criteria. One of the four articles was a randomised controlled trial, which showed a significant improvement in some measures of MHL, but no change in help-seeking attitudes. The other three studies evaluated interventions, in uncontrolled pre-test and post-test evaluations, on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder knowledge. Two of these studies showed a significant change in ADHD knowledge. There was no consistency in MHL measures between studies. There is preliminary evidence that DHIs may improve MHL in parents of children with BEP. How this translates to help seeking, access to mental health services or improved outcomes is unknown.

Seeking help when transgender: Exploring the difference in mental and physical health seeking behaviors between transgender and cisgender individuals in Ireland

Background: While there is growing awareness of the need to support the physical and mental wellbeing of transgender people, some may be reluctant to seek help from healthcare professionals. Little is understood about the mechanisms that influence help-seeking behavior in this group.Aims: This study aimed to compare transgender and cisgender participants in their likelihood to seek help for both physical and mental health conditions, and to explore whether this help-seeking behavior is predicted by a range of sociodemographic and psychological variables.Methods: 123 participants living in Ireland (cisgender= 67; transgender= 56) completed a questionnaire which included demographic questions, as well as measures of optimism (LOT-R), self-esteem (RSES), psychological distress (GHQ-12), attitudes towards seeking psychological help (ATSPPH-SF), and attitudes towards seeking help for a physical health problem (Attitudes Towards Seeking Medical Help Scale- Action/Intervention subscale). Associations between predictor variables and mental and physical health seeking were explored using correlation analysis and stepwise regressions.Results: Transgender participants were less likely to seek help for a physical health issue than cisgender participants, but did not differ in mental health help-seeking behaviors. Results suggest that this may be due to differences in optimism, self-esteem and psychological distress. Transgender participants had significantly lower optimism and self-esteem, which were two factors linked to poorer physical health seeking behaviors. Optimism also emerged as a significant predictor in mental health seeking behaviors.Discussion: The lack of a significant difference for mental health help-seeking between the transgender and cisgender participants is encouraging, as it suggests that there is less stigma surrounding mental illness than expected, however findings also contradict previous findings suggesting that physical health is less stigmatized. This could be due to stigma relating to gender-specific healthcare and suggests that healthcare professionals should acknowledge the specific healthcare needs and concerns among transgender individuals.

Mental Health Literacy, Help-Seeking Behaviour and Wellbeing in Young People: Implications for Practice

Research indicates that individuals who have high levels of mental health literacy engage in help-seeking for mental health issues more in comparison to those with low mental health literacy. It is therefore important to ensure that young people are able to identify signs of psychological distress and identify appropriate supports and resources when necessary. Preliminary research has identified gender differences in help-seeking and identification of mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health literacy, help-seeking intentions and wellbeing in senior high school students. The sample consisted of 22 females and 10 male students, ranging from 16–18 years. Findings indicated a positive correlation between wellbeing and general help-seeking, as well as wellbeing and help-seeking for suicidal ideation. Gender differences were identified for aspects of mental health literacy and help-seeking intentions. Results of this research have implications for practitioners in fostering positive outcomes and developing targeted interventions towards improving mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviour in the future.

Mental Health Help-Seeking Experiences of Hispanic Women in the United States: Results from a Qualitative Interpretive Meta-Synthesis

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative interpretive meta-synthesis to examine the experiences and perceptions of mental health help-seeking behaviors by Hispanic women in the United States. Synthesis of five studies resulted in one major theme of determinants of mental health help-seeking organized into three subthemes: (1) societal determinants, (2) health services system, and (3) individual determinants. These results provide a more holistic understanding of the mental health help-seeking experiences of Hispanic women, an important consideration when developing interventions to address the disparities in access to and quality of mental health treatment experienced by this unique population.

Chinese American Women's Experiences with Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors.

The objective of this study was to explore the perspectives of postpartum depression (PPD) and mental health help-seeking behaviors among Chinese American women. Using a qualitative design, Chinese American women, who had given birth in the past year, participated in a semistructured interview (English or Mandarin). Depressive symptoms and mental health services questionnaires were also conducted. All 15 participants were married and between 29 and 39 years of age. Content analysis revealed two main themes including culture-specific postpartum traditions and mental health help-seeking. Nine reported sadness or PPD symptoms, including three who scored above the cutoff of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS score ≥9) for risk of PPD and others who disclosed such information during the interview. Many women shared that they experienced postpartum depressive symptoms, but some did not believe depression was applicable to Chinese women. Healthcare professionals working with Chinese American women must be aware of culture-specific childbearing traditions to promote maternal-infant well-being outcomes.