Professional Psychological Help Research Articles

Mental health stigma and internship nursing students’ attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help: a cross-sectional study

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.

Premenstrual Syndrome and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Among College Students in Oman.

This study examines the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the attitude toward seeking professional psychological help among Omani college students. This study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sampling approach. The date was issued between January and March 2024. A sample of 601 undergraduate female students completed the study questionnaires, including (1) a sociodemographic questionnaire, (2) the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale and (3) the attitude toward seeking professional psychological distress scale. The study included 601 eligible participants of age 18-29 years who were mostly single (83.7%) and living on campus (68.6%). PMS prevalence was high at 87.9%, with a mean score of 109.4, indicating low severity for most (62.1%). Participants generally had positive attitudes toward seeking psychological help (41.6% high willingness). A linear regression showed a positive link between PMS severity and help-seeking attitudes. This study highlights a significant association between the experiences of PMS and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Omani female undergraduate students. With a high prevalence of PMS reported, the findings suggest that cultural factors and support systems play crucial roles in shaping these attitudes. The positive inclination toward seeking help indicates a growing awareness of mental health issues within this demographic. Enhancing mental health services and fostering supportive environments in educational settings can further empower students to address PMS-related challenges.

Help-Seeking Intention and Its Determining Factors Among High School Students in Iran

Background: With a global prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents, exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)’s impact, understanding the dynamics of seeking assistance is crucial. Therefore, this study determined the status of the help-seeking intention and the factors affecting it among high school students in Saveh (center of Iran). Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2023, 400 students from different high schools were selected by a multi-stage stratified random sampling procedure. They were studied using the Short Form of Mental Health Continuum Questionnaire (MHC-SF), Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Questionnaire (ATSPPH), Help-seeking Intention Questionnaire (GHSQ), and perceived barriers related to mental health services. Data were analyzed via SPSS 21 software using linear regression and descriptive statistical methods. Furthermore, P&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean score attitude toward mental health services, perceived barriers to mental health services, and positive mental health were 33.8±5.5, 23.5±3.8, and 42.36±10.39, respectively. Close friends were favored for informal help-seeking (4.3±0.97), while doctors preferred formal help-seeking (3.4±0.91). Furthermore, attitude toward mental health services was the most important predictor of formal help-seeking (P value&lt;0.001; β=3.89), while positive mental health was the most important predictor of informal help-seeking (P value&lt;0.001; β=2.93). Conclusion: The findings of this study identified friends, family, and doctors as primary sources of informal and formal help-seeking among adolescents. Mental health literacy education is crucial for these groups. Given boys’ lower help-seeking intentions and the influence of attitudes and perceived barriers, comprehensive training is recommended. Hence, it is essential to incorporate mental health literacy programs within school curricula. Moreover, school counselors should receive comprehensive training to identify and address mental health issues effectively among students.

The Relationship between Academic Performance, Peer Pressure, and Educational Stress as It Relates to High School Students’ Openness to Seeking Professional Psychological Help

Adolescents, especially high school students, are more susceptible to stress and encounter other mental health issues. This is linked to extrinsic causes like academics, family, and friends. However, previous studies have shown low rates of students seeking professional psychological help for their problems. This study investigate the relationship among factors including academic performance, educational stress, peer pressure and openness to seeking professional psychological help. We conducted this study with 471 high school students (grades 10–12) engaged. The questionnaire was based on three measurements: peer pressure short form (PPSF), educational stress scale for adolescents (ESSA), and openness to seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH_O). The Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and The PLS-SEM method were used to evaluate this research. The results showed that: (i) students with a higher level of peer pressure have a greater openness to seeking professional psychological help; (ii) the more open to seeking professional psychological help, the higher educational stress that students got; (iii) students with a higher level of peer pressure have greater educational stress; (iv) the openness to seeking professional psychological help would mediate the relationship between peer pressure and educational stress; (v) there was a significant difference between academic performance of peer pressure. On the one hand, counselors, clinicians, and therapists must identify students who are experiencing educational stress in the context of peer pressure as vulnerable groups in need of early mental health interventions. On the other hand, educators and teachers must consider the impact of peer pressure on students' academic performance and devise appropriate teaching strategies.

Psychometric assessment of the Persian adaptation of the attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help scale-short form

Background and purposeMental health disorders are a growing concern worldwide, with a significant impact on public health. Understanding attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help is essential in addressing these issues. In the Iranian context, there is a need for a reliable tool to measure these attitudes. This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Persian Adaptation of the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF).Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2023, utilizing a convenience sampling method with 1050 participants aged 10 to 65 years in Iran.The ATSPPH-SF questionnaire, consisting of 10 items and 2 subscales, was employed. The questionnaire underwent translation and cultural adaptation, and its validity was assessed through qualitative face and content validities. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate construct validity. Reliability was assessed using McDonald’s omega coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data collection was conducted through an online survey.ResultsThe CFA results indicated a two-factor structure for the ATSPPH-SF, with one factor representing openness to seeking treatment for emotional problems and the other factor reflecting the value and need for seeking treatment. The model demonstrated acceptable fit indices. Both McDonald’s omega coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient suggested good internal consistency for the scale. The mean total score for the ATSPPH-SF was 21.37 (SD = 5.52), indicating the reliability and validity of the scale for the Iranian population.ConclusionThis study confirms the suitability of the short-form ATSPPH-SF with 10 items and 2 subscales as a valid and reliable tool for assessing attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help in the Iranian population. With no prior appropriate instrument available, this scale fills a crucial gap. It can be employed to measure attitudes among various demographic groups, aiding in the design of targeted interventions to enhance mental health literacy and reduce the stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help in Iran.

European military surgical teams in combat theater: A survey study on deployment preparation and experience

IntroductionAdequate (predeployment) training of the nowadays highly specialized Western military surgical teams is vital to ensure a broad range of surgical skills to treat combat casualties. This survey study aimed to assess the self-perceived preparedness, training needs, deployment experience, and post-deployment impact of surgical teams deployed with the Danish, Dutch, or Finnish Armed Forces. Study findings may facilitate a customized predeployment training. MethodsA questionnaire was distributed among Danish, Dutch, and Finnish military surgical teams deployed between January 2013 and December 2020 (N = 142). The primary endpoint of self-perceived preparedness ratings, and data on the training needs, deployment experiences, and post-deployment impacts were compared between professions and nations. ResultsThe respondents comprised 35 surgeons, 25 anesthesiologists, and 39 supporting staff members, with a response rate of 69.7 % (99/142). Self-perceived deployment preparedness was rated with a median of 4.0 (IQR 4.0–4.0; scale: 1 [very unprepared]–5 [more than sufficient]). No differences were found among professions and nations. Skills that surgeons rated below average (median <6.0; scale: 1 [low]–10 [high]) included tropical disease management and maxillofacial, neurological, gynecological, ophthalmic, and nerve repair surgery. The deployment caseload was most often reported as <1 case per week (41/99, 41.4 %). The need for professional psychological help was rated at a median of 1.0 (IQR 1.0–1.0; scale: 1 [not at all]–5 [very much]). ConclusionsMilitary surgical teams report overall adequate preparedness for deployment. Challenges remain for establishing broadly skilled teams because of a low deployment caseload and ongoing primary specializations. Additional training and exposure were indicated for several specialism-specific skill areas. The need for specific training should be addressed through customized predeployment programs.

Psychological Wellbeing, Help Seeking Behaviour on Coping Amongst Professional Psychologists

The study explored and examined effect of help seeking behaviours on psychological wellbeing, and ways of coping among Professional Psychologists in Accra, Ghana using a case study research design. A total of 116 respondents were selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using standardized Likert type questionnaires which comprised the WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5; 1998 version), Africultural Coping Systems Inventory (ACSI) (Utsey, Adams, &amp; Bolden 2000), and the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS) (Fischer &amp; Farina, 1995). Data was analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Reliability and Normality tests, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient test, Simple Linear Regression Analysis, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance test. Results revealed that a significant positive correlation exists between help seeking behaviour and psychological wellbeing. Secondly, Coping style (i.e., cognitive and emotional debriefing, and ritual centered coping) significantly predicts help seeking behaviours. Meanwhile, only cognitive and emotional debriefing coping style predicts psychological wellbeing.

Psychological distress and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Omani nurses: Strategies for nursing practice.

This study investigated the psychological distress and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among Oman's nurses, highlighting the importance of changing negative attitudes toward mental health among healthcare professionals. Nurses face difficult circumstances and serve as role models. Creating supportive environments can improve treatment quality and public awareness and reduce social stigma, ultimately contributing to better care and quality of life. This study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sampling approach. A sample of 205 nurses working in Oman completed the study questionnaires, including a sociodemographic questionnaire, the attitude toward seeking professional psychological distress scale, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. The survey was distributed between May and June 2023. The study found that most participants had moderate psychological distress (43.22%, n = 67) and a low attitude toward seeking professional psychological help (66.67%, n = 48). There were significant differences in distress based on gender (P < 0.001), marital status (P < 0.001), and working department (F = 3.140, P = 0.004), while attitude had significant differences based on gender (P < 0.001) and marital status (P < 0.001). The study also found no significant correlation between psychological distress and attitudes toward seeking help among Oman's nurses (T (1, 204) = 0.019, P = 0.985), with a r2 of 0.005. Nurses must be trained to handle stress and job strain from terminally ill patients, complex cases, and difficult situations. They should prioritize psychological assistance as a sign of strength and self-awareness as it demonstrates stability and self-awareness in nursing. This can be promoted by obtaining education, enhancing healthcare accessibility, and providing a support system.

Assessing perceptions of stigmatization by others for seeking help in China: psychometric characteristics and measurement invariance across gender and therapy experience.

The stigma of social networks may be more noticeable in collectivist societies like China, but research in this area has largely been overlooked due to a lack of reliable measurement. To address this gap, this study tested the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Perceptions of Stigmatization by Others for Seeking Help (PSOSH) scale in the Chinese general population, and tested its invariance across gender and prior therapy experience. In a national online survey, 640 adults completed the PSOSH and conceptually related scales: Self-stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH), Stigma of Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (SSPPH, i.e., public stigma) and Attitudes toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional structure of the original PSOSH. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.84 and the 3-week test-retest reliability of was 0.77. The PSOSH showed moderate correlations with the three conceptually related scales, supporting its concurrent validity. Importantly, the PSOSH significantly predicted self-stigma scores, even when considering demographic variables and public stigma, supporting its incremental validity. The scale also demonstrated scalar invariance across gender and across subgroups who had vs. did not have previous therapy experience, supporting comparisons of latent means across these groups. The PSOSH is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing social network stigmatization of professional help-seeking in Chinese community samples.

Investigation on the Attitude of Middle School Students with Depression in the City Toward Professional Psychological Help-Seeking.

Many middle school students are depressed due to pressure from family, study, life, and communication. With the increasing depression of middle school students, professional psychological counseling institutions have also become more numerous. Therefore, students need to be guided to correctly recognize difficulties and seek professional psychological assistance. We aimed to investigate the depression status of middle school students in the city and analyze their attitude towards professional psychological help-seeking. A total of 2485 students from two classes of each grade from six middle schools in the city were randomly selected as the research objects. They were subjected to answer the general questionnaire and professional psychological help-seeking attitude questionnaire to analyze their depression status, psychological help-seeking status, and attitude towards professional psychological help-seeking. 2485 questionnaires were distributed, and 2205 valid questionnaires were returned. A total of 791 (35.9%) of students had depressive symptoms. The detection rate and depression scores in girls were significantly higher than in boys, and the detection rate in junior high school students in the city was notably higher than in high school students and students from rural areas (P<0.05). Only 31 (3.9%) middle school students with depressive symptoms have sought professional psychological help. The scores of self-cognition, stigma tolerance, interpersonal openness, and trust scores of middle school students with depressive symptoms in help-seeking attitude were significantly lower than those of normal students, while self-stigma scores were significantly higher in those with depressive symptoms (P<0.001). Middle school students in the city with depression have a poor attitude towards professional psychological help-seeking. Educators should positively and correctly guide depressed middle school students to seek professional psychological assistance when they need help.

Understanding mental health help-seeking and stigma among Hungarian adults: A network perspective.

Hungarians exhibit more negative attitudes toward help-seeking for mental health problems compared to other European countries. However, research on help-seeking in Hungary is limited, and it is unclear how stigma relates to help-seeking when considering demographic and clinical characteristics. We used a network analytic approach to simulate a stigma model using hypothesized constructs in a sizable sample of Hungarian adults. Participants were 345 adults recruited from nine primary care offices across Hungary. Participants completed self-report measures assessing public stigma, self-stigma, experiential avoidance (EA), attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, anxiety, depression, demographics, prior use of mental health services, and whether they have a family member or friend with a mental health condition. EA and anxiety were the most central nodes in the network. The network also revealed associations between greater EA with greater public stigma, anxiety, depression, and having a family member or friend with a mental health condition. More positive attitudes toward seeking help were associated with lower self-stigma, public stigma, and having received psychological treatment in their lifetime. Being female was associated with lower income, higher education, and having received psychological treatment in their lifetime. Finally, having a family member or friend with a mental health condition was associated with having received psychological treatment in their lifetime and greater public stigma. The strength centrality and associations of EA with clinical covariates and public stigma implicate its importance in stigma models. Findings also suggest that while some aspects of existing stigma models are retained in countries like Hungary, other aspects may diverge.

Exploring the Interplay between Job Stress, Work Performance, and Attitudes toward Professional Psychological Help among Employees

Exploring the Interplay between Job Stress, Work Performance, and Attitudes toward Professional Psychological Help among Employees

Stigma processes, psychological distress, and attitudes toward seeking treatment among pedohebephilic people.

While stigma theories predict that stigma relates to negative attitudes toward seeking help, previous studies found mixed results among pedohebephilic individuals. We tested whether different stigma processes (i.e., general anticipated stigma, anticipation of negative therapist behavior upon disclosure, and internalized stigma), psychological distress, previous treatment experiences, and knowledge about psychotherapy can clarify attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help for this population. We conducted a pre-registered, online survey of English-speaking pedohebephilic individuals (N = 283, 88% male). Expected links between variables of interest and attitudes toward seeking treatment were assessed via structural equation modeling. After modification, the final model showed acceptable fit to the data, χ2 = 2170.61, df = 1462, p < .001, CFI = .905, RMSEA = .04, [.04,.05]. Internalized stigma predicted more positive attitudes toward seeking treatment. Lower anticipation of negative therapist behavior upon disclosure and higher knowledge about psychotherapy were also significant predictors of positive attitudes toward seeking treatment. General anticipated stigma did not predict attitudes toward seeking treatment. Our results suggest a complex association between different stigma processes and treatment-seeking, which differs from associations found for mental illness stigma. Specificity in our understanding of the components of stigma and how they interact with attitudes toward seeking treatment is required to tailor clinical work as well as messages around treatment services.

Dehumanization, attitudes toward seeking professional psychological care, and mental health among African American women.

Self-infrahumanization or perceiving oneself as lacking the experience of uniquely human emotions, and endorsement of Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema, or self-superhumanization, are two forms of dehumanization. Among African American women, SBW schema endorsement is associated with greater negative attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) and poorer mental health. Self-infrahumanization is associated with fewer adaptive stress responses and poorer well-being. This research examines the relationship between self-infrahumanization and self-superhumanization on ATSPPH and mental health among African American women. We hypothesized that self-infrahumanization and self-superhumanization will be associated with greater negative ATSPPH and greater mental health symptomatology. We also hypothesized that ATSPPH will mediate the interactive effect of self-infrahumanization and SBW schema endorsement on mental health symptomatology. Four hundred and forty-nine self-identified African American women (Mage = 37.96; SDage = 15.55; age range: 18-87) completed an online, self-administered Qualtrics survey investigating the social and psychological determinants of health. Self-infrahumanization was not associated with mental health symptomatology. Greater SBW schema endorsement was associated with greater mental health symptomatology. Self-infrahumanization and SBW schema endorsement were not associated with ATSPPH. ATSPPH mediated the interaction between SBW and self-infrahumanization on mental health symptomatology. At high and average-but not low-levels of SBW schema endorsement, greater self-infrahumanization was associated with lower positive ATSPPH, which was then associated with greater mental health symptomatology. Among African American women, believing that one lacks the experience of uniquely human emotions exacerbates the negative effects of endorsing SBW schema. We discuss the role of dehumanization processes in health disparities research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Mediating Role of Self-Stigma in Perceived Public Stigma and Attitudes Toward Mental Health Help-Seeking Among Adults in Malaysia

Mental health stigma is one of the major barriers to mental health help-seeking and care. Public stigma gives rise to self-stigma (SS), and both stigma results in negative attitudes toward mental health help-seeking (ATMHHS). Subsequently, ATMHHS is further associated with future help-seeking behaviour. This research aims to study the mediating effect of SS on the relationship between perceived public stigma (PPS) and ATMHHS among Malaysian adults. The significance is to encourage mental health awareness related to mental health stigma as well as to contribute to literature on mental health stigma. This study was a cross-sectional, correlational, and quantitative study, in which data was collected using online survey. 136 participants were selected as a sample of Malaysian adults aged 18-64 years old. Data was collected using Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale, Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help, and Attitudes toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale: Short Form. The results from Hayes PROCESS macro showed that SS was a significant predictor for ATMHHS, while PPS was not a significant predictor of ATMHHS, and SS fully mediated the relationship between PPS and ATMHHS. This study has shown that PPS indirectly brings negative impact on ATMHHS, while SS predicts negative ATMHHS, hence it is recommended that more research be conducted on mental health stigma related areas in order to raise awareness in Malaysian society.

Psychometric Parameters of the Turkish version of the Reactions to Psychotherapy Questionnaire

This study aims to investigate the validity and reliability of the “Reactions to Psychotherapy Questionnaire” (RPQ) by Furnham and Lay (2016) in Turkish culture. A total of 328 adults (248 females and 80 males) participated in the study. The structural validity of the scale was tested with confirmatory factor analysis. The correlations between “The Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale” (ATSPPH-SF) and “The Thoughts About Psychotherapy Scale” (TAPS) were examined to test the convergent validity. The reliability of the scale was calculated with the internal consistency method and the test-retest method. Similar to the original scale outcomes, the results of the confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that there is “a form of two-factor structure”, namely, the positive and negative reactions. It has been found that while the positive reactions subscale of RPQ was positively correlated with the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH-SF) and negatively correlated with the subscales of Thoughts About Psychotherapy Scale (TAPS), negative reactions subscale was negatively correlated with the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH-SF) and positively correlated with Thoughts About Psychotherapy Scale (TAPS) subscales. The internal consistency coefficient for the positive reactions subscale was found to be .88, while test-retest reliability coefficient was .75, positive reactions subscale internal consistency coefficient was .81 and test-retest reliability coefficient was .77. It is found that “Reactions to Psychotherapy Questionnaire” (RPQ) is a valid and reliable assessment in Türkiye.

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCTING THE PSYCHO-CORRECTIONAL PROCESS AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE ANALYSIS OF THE ETHICAL CODES OF UKRAINE AND CANADA

In Ukraine, the practice of providing psychological and coaching services in social networks has become widespread and these services occurred and continue to occur with violations of the rules of ethics of psychological counseling. In fact, in the current conditions when many different counseling services are available, the line between professional psychological help and “personal growth schools” is blurring. Those schools do not so much help as harm a person, without solving his/her problem at a deep level. Therefore, the goal of our research is to actualize the need to modernize the practice of applying ethical norms by Ukrainian psychologists and improve it by borrowing international experience from the world psychological community and comparing ethical approaches in Canada and Ukraine. The research presents the author’s practical experience of working with clients (taking into account all confidentiality rules). During the research, a mini-survey was conducted on social networks, which shows a certain trend that the ethical principles of psychologists’ work aren’t a high priority for their clients. It becomes obvious, that such low demand from society for ethical norms creates a corresponding supply of services that neglect generally accepted rules of professional activity. By analyzing some aspects of the Canadian and Ukrainian Ethical Codes, the author considers it necessary to draw attention to the need for quick and decisive actions to change the general paradigm in the services of Ukrainian psychologists with an emphasis on strengthening the ethical component and increasing the responsibility for violations of rules recognized by state institutions and public associations.

The Correlation Between Parenting Styles and Chinese College Students' Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help

Prior studies have demonstrated that authoritarian parenting styles significantly influence attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH). However, they did not investigate the effects of parenting styles' particular factors. This study surveys 152 Chinese university students to investigate the correlation between parenting styles and ATSPPH. This study correlates three parenting style factors, overprotective, emotional warmth, and rejection, with four factors, confidence, stigma tolerance, need, and openness, in ATSPPH. The results show a substantial negative correlation between ATSPPH and parental overprotection; overprotection is strongly negatively correlated with confidence in psychological experts, and overprotection is correlated negatively with openness. A considerable positive link exists between parental emotional warmth and ATSPPH, as well as between emotional warmth and confidence and between emotional warmth and openness. Parental rejection had a substantial inverse relationship with ATSPPH, a significant positive relationship with stigma tolerance, a significant inverse correlation with confidence, and a significant inverse correlation with openness. Regression analyses further indicate that parental rejection significantly predicted children's tolerance and openness to seeking professional psychological help.

Effects of Parental Psychological Control on Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help in Senior High School Students: Serial Mediating Effects of Rejection Sensitivity and Social Withdrawal.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the serial mediating effects of rejection sensitivity and social withdrawal on parental psychological control and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help among senior high school students. In November 2022, 648 students completed a self-report questionnaire. The parental psychological control scale, senior high school students' rejection sensitivity scale, social withdrawal scale, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help scale were used for measurement. Correlation analysis showed parental psychological control and rejection sensitivity were positively correlated with social withdrawal (r = 0.387, 0.466, 0.495, all p < 0.001). Parental psychological control and rejection sensitivity were significantly negatively correlated with social withdrawal and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (r = -0.325, -0.324, -0.397, all p < 0.001). Mediating effect analysis indicated that parental psychological control had a significant direct effect on attitude toward seeking professional psychological help, and rejection sensitivity and social withdrawal had significant serial mediating effects among parental psychological control and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help in senior high school students. These aspects warrant attention as they play significant roles in influencing students' willingness to seek psychological assistance. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(7), 47-55.].

Relationship between mental health literacy and professional psychological help-seeking attitudes in China: a chain mediation model

BackgroundMental health literacy is considered an important factor in promoting professional psychological help-seeking attitudes. However, it is important to clarify the emotional and behavioral factors that underlie this association. Drawing from the ABC model of attitudes and the Health Disclosure Decision-Making Model, this study aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological help-seeking stigma and distress disclosure in the relationship between mental health literacy and professional psychological help-seeking attitudes.MethodsWe collected data from 827 participants in seven regions of China (597 female; Mage = 26.019, SD = 5.592 years old) using self-report measures, including the Mental Health Literacy Scale, Questionnaire of Stigma for Seeking Professional Psychological Help, Distress Disclosure Index, and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help-Short Form. A chain mediation model was built to examine the relationships among mental health literacy, psychological help-seeking stigma, distress disclosure, and professional psychological help-seeking attitudes.ResultsThe results of the analyses showed a positive association between mental health literacy and professional psychological help-seeking attitudes, with psychological help-seeking stigma and distress disclosure playing mediating roles in this relationship. Furthermore, even after controlling for participants’ age, gender, and education, the chain mediation effect of psychological help-seeking stigma and distress disclosure on the relationship between mental health literacy and professional psychological help-seeking attitudes was observed among the Chinese population.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the significance of mental health literacy in shaping professional psychological help-seeking attitudes, while emphasizing the need to account for psychological help-seeking stigma and distress disclosure when examining this association. Additionally, the model proposed in this study provides a valuable framework for promoting the utilization of professional mental health services.