Seeking Help Research Articles

Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: Barriers to Seeking Help Among Asian Immigrants

ABSTRACT Purpose Asian Americans face unique challenges when immigrating to the United States, including intimate partner violence (IPV). Cultural factors such as male dominance and prioritization of family over individual needs often discourage women from seeking help. The purpose of this study is to examine the personal and environmental limitations of seeking help experienced by Asian American IPV survivors. Methods We collaborated with two not-for-profit agencies serving Asian American IPV survivors. These agencies, located in large metropolitan areas, surveyed 123 clients in three time periods between 2022 and 2024. Two-thirds of respondents identified as Korean, followed by Mongolian, Chinese, and other ethnicities. The survey included a stigma scale, barriers to accessing the criminal justice system, and open-ended responses. Results Survivors identified fear of being blamed, feelings of shame, and lack of community support following disclosure as significant barriers to seeking help. In addition, respondents identified barriers to accessing the criminal justice system, including practical barriers (language, cost, and transportation), lack of knowledge about the system and how to contact it, fears about their partner’s reaction, getting the abuser in trouble, losing custody of the children, upsetting the extended family, and lack of trust in the system. Survivors had mixed experiences with police interactions. Discussion The findings highlight critical opportunities for prevention efforts, emphasizing the need for strategies to change norms that blame the victims, educate communities and faith leaders on how to support survivors, inform survivors on their legal options, and educate police and legal advocates on culturally sensitive interventions.

Mechanisms underlying the impact of self-stigma on social engagement in Arabic-speaking refugees: A path analysis.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees has been linked to poor social outcomes. Self-stigma appears to be a potential barrier to social engagement in refugees with PTSD, however research into this relationship is scarce. As such, the study aimed to 1) investigate whether self-stigma of PTSD (SSPTSD) and self-stigma of seeking help (SSOSH) underlie the association between PTSD and reduced social engagement in refugees, and 2) identify psychological mechanisms underpinning the association between PTSD and both types of self-stigma. In this online study, 262 Arabic-speaking refugees who had resettled in Australia completed measures indexing PTSD, two types of self-stigma (SSPTSD and SSOSH), social engagement outcomes (help-seeking behaviour, perceived social support), and potential mechanisms (self-esteem, hope, and negative help-seeking beliefs). Path analyses revealed that greater PTSD symptom severity was associated with reduced help-seeking behaviour via greater SSOSH and lower perceived social support via greater SSPTSD. Path analyses also revealed that greater PTSD symptom severity had an indirect effect on both types of self-stigma via greater negative help-seeking beliefs and an indirect effect on SSPTSD via lower hope. Findings demonstrate the deleterious effect of self-stigma on refugee mental health, yet also indicate potential intervention targets to reduce the negative impact of self-stigma.

Unveiling Treatment Barriers Towards Seeking Help for Alcohol Consumption - a Qualitative Study on Urban Indian Women

ABSTRACT Background Globally, alcohol consumption among women has been increasing, and data indicates a narrowing of the gap in consumption rates between men and women. This has been notable in the urban settings of India as well. The current study explored the treatment barriers that women in urban India face when seeking help for their alcohol use. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 urban Indian women, ages 18 to 55, who were diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and living in a rehabilitation facility. The researcher conducted interviews to gain insights into the women’s experiences and perspectives on alcohol consumption, as well as the obstacles they encountered while seeking treatment for it. The researcher utilized an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework to comprehend each participant’s individual experiences within the context of their cultural background and personal circumstances related to alcohol consumption. Results The findings revealed how the participants were admitted into the rehabilitation center by force and not by choice. Most felt that there was no use in leaving alcohol even after undergoing treatment. Being in the rehabilitation treatment made them feel more empty. The overall treatment experience made the participants feel uncertain and scared. Participants wanted more female counselors/professionals to help them recover, rather than having the other gender tell them how they can recover. Personal perceptions of alcohol consumption played a significant role in seeking therapy. Previous negative experiences with seeking treatment, internalized stigma, shame, and acute cravings all deterred women from taking the initial step toward recovery. Conclusion The study recommends tailored intervention strategies, community support, social activities, and stigma reduction to address the numerous barriers faced by urban Indian women with AUD seeking care. Furthermore, raising awareness and providing structural support is crucial to helping women overcome alcohol use disorder (AUD) and achieve full recovery. By adopting a holistic, woman-centered approach to addiction treatment, women can receive the necessary assistance and resources to heal and recover effectively.

Graphic Organizer Materials on Self-Directed Learning Readiness (SDLR) and Content Mastery in Science: A Photovoice Approach

In today’s fast-changing world, education systems globally are shifting toward learner-centered approaches that emphasize autonomy, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Mastering self-directed learning and science content is crucial for students to keep pace with global scientific developments and actively contribute to solving real-world problems. Studying materials like graphic organizers and photovoice empowers learners to visualize their thinking, reflect on their learning journey, and take ownership of their growth in science. These tools not only enhance understanding of complex scientific concepts but also foster the independent learning skills needed to succeed in modern, dynamic educational environments worldwide. This study examines the Self-Directed Learning Readiness (SDLR) and Science content mastery of Grade 10 students, the effect of using graphic organizers and the Photovoice approach, and teachers’ evaluations of the developed learning materials. Using the ADDIE model. Findings disclose that students indicate moderate to high SDLR, excelling in motivation and task management but struggling with seeking help and structured learning. Despite strong SDLR, Pearson correlation analysis implies no significant relationship with Science content mastery, advocating that other elements control academic performance. However, the intervention significantly increased Science mastery, increasing from average mastery to moving towards mastery in post-tests. A statistical analysis proved the use of the intervention. Teachers rated the Photovoice-based materials highly acceptable, particularly for engaging students and promoting critical thinking. Content accuracy and up-to-date information require improvement. Photovoice analysis highlights self-growth, identity, uncertainty, cognitive biases, and truth-seeking, underscoring the importance of self-awareness and critical thinking. This study contributes to instructional material development by creating lesson exemplars using graphic organizers and the Photovoice approach to enhance SDLR and Science mastery.

Understanding the Experiences of Women Affected by Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Study at Saidu Teaching Hospital

This study explores the personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and psychological impacts of domestic violence on women in Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Despite increasing attention to gender-based violence in South Asia, little is known about how women in conservative and rural regions like Swat navigate abuse and access support. The study aims to understand the emotional, psychological, and social consequences of domestic violence on women, focusing on how victims endure and respond to abuse within a patriarchal cultural framework. Using a narrative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 doctors and nurses at Saidu Teaching Hospital, selected via snowball sampling. These healthcare professionals provided firsthand insights into the behaviors, emotions, and health outcomes of women survivors. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data, with the aid of NVivo software to code and organize emerging patterns. The findings revealed that fear of disclosure, social stigma, and cultural silence prevent women from reporting abuse or seeking help. Many women rely on spiritual and emotional coping mechanisms such as prayer, household work, and self-isolation. Others endure abuse for the sake of their children, fearing social rejection if they leave. The study also found that women often suffer from chronic depression, emotional disconnection from children, and loss of self-confidence, with minimal access to female-focused mental health services. The absence of legal trust and support systems further traps victims in cycles of abuse. The study concludes that domestic violence in Swat is not just a physical issue but a deep emotional and social crisis. It recommends trauma-informed, gender-sensitive interventions, improved legal awareness, and community-based education to support recovery. Empowering women through counselling, safe spaces, and access to justice is essential for breaking the silence and fostering resilience.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of Transmasculine Voice: A Scoping Review.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures of Transmasculine Voice: A Scoping Review.

ADVANCES IN TREATING DEPRESSION

It is normal to feel temporarily depressed when facing situations such as the loss of someone close, or experiencing serious financial or domestic issues; however, when these depressed feelings intensify and last much longer, it could be due to clinical depression. Around the world, millions of people are affected by depression as their daily routine is interrupted by lingering sadness and the feeling of pain. Although effective treatments are available to control and treat depression symptoms, the social stigma associated with mental illness in many societies prevents people from seeking help. Statistics show that different types of depression, due to co-occurrence with other medical conditions, social, psychological, biological factors or drugs that can cause or have a side effect, affect around 322 million people around the world. This review provides a comprehensive coverage of advances in treating different types of depression, pharmacological approaches, potential new drugs, use of natural antidepressants, treatment without any medications, recent developments in Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) and Major Depression Disorder (MDD) involving innovative medications, as well as magnetic and electrical stimulation techniques.

Understanding adolescent psychotherapy utilization in India: A mixed methods tertiary care center study.

BackgroundIndia faces a substantial mental health treatment gap, particularly regarding the underutilization of psychotherapy among adolescents. This mixed-methods study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators influencing the uptake of psychotherapy for mental health issues among adolescents attending a tertiary care referral center in India.MethodsA mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 74 adolescents recruited via purposive sampling using standardized scales assessing attitudes toward seeking professional psychological treatment, self-stigma, perceived barriers to seeking help, and the working alliance. Qualitative data were gathered through focus group discussions to further explore barriers and facilitators of psychotherapy.ResultsMost participants were diagnosed with neurotic spectrum disorders and had no prior psychotherapy experience. Higher self-stigma and perceived barriers were associated with less favorable attitudes toward seeking psychotherapy, while a stronger working alliance was associated with more positive attitudes. Thematic analysis identified key barriers including stigma, apprehension, poor awareness, negative social influences, and reliance on informal support. Facilitators included greater mental health literacy, perceived symptom severity, and encouragement from informal networks. Urban adolescents reported stronger working alliances compared to their rural counterparts.ConclusionFindings highlight the need to address stigma, enhance mental health literacy, and consider contextual factors in service delivery.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the theory of Planned Behavior-Hearing Help Seeking: A methodological study.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the theory of Planned Behavior-Hearing Help Seeking: A methodological study.

Help-Seeking by Women and Men After Experiencing Any IPV, Including Physical, Sexual, and Psychological IPV, Controlling Behaviors, or Economic Abuse: A Population-Based Study From New Zealand.

Among women and men who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), what proportion had contact with informal or formal sources of help, and how helpful were these sources considered? Does the type of violence experienced influence the likelihood of help-seeking? One thousand, four hundred sixty-four ever-partnered women, 1,423 ever-partnered men. This study used a population-based and representative sample of New Zealand women and men who experienced IPV to present descriptive statistics of those who sought help from informal (e.g., family and friends) or formal (e.g., police, healthcare providers) sources. Comparisons were undertaken to determine whether respondent characteristics or types of violence experienced were associated with the likelihood of seeking help. The perceived effectiveness of the help, and reasons for seeking/not seeking help were explored. For women, 28.4% told no one about the IPV, 33.3% told informal sources, 30.6% told both formal and informal sources, and 7.7% told only formal sources. For men, 53.5% told no one, 26.1% told only informal sources, 13.5% told both formal and informal sources, and 6.9% told only formal sources. There were notable gaps between seeking help and the perceived helpfulness of both informal and formal sources; gender-specific information on helpfulness is presented. Of those who did seek help, most reported motivating reasons associated with serious concerns or experience of violence. For both women and men, the type of IPV experienced was significantly associated with seeking both formal and informal help. Enabling and resourcing informal helpers could have important implications for supporting and encouraging contact with formal helping services, which could support opportunities for long-term recovery from violence. Additional work to energize and enable formal services across multiple sectors is needed to fulfill policy ambitions of providing safe, accessible, and integrated responses, and providing increased capacity for healing for those who experience violence.

Should I Help? Moderating Effects of the Collaborative Aspect of the Helping Situation on the Attribution-Emotion-Help Relationship.

Previous studies have shown that attributions of controllability influence the decision to help a person in need through elicited emotions. However, it has been suggested that various factors may moderate the relationships within the attribution-emotion-action model. The aim of the present study was to examine the moderating effects of the collaborative aspect of the helping situation on the relationships within the attribution-emotion model of helping behavior. Data were collected from 757 (51% male) undergraduate students. A 2 (controllable vs. uncontrollable cause of help needed) × 2 (collaborative assignment vs. noncollaborative situation) study design was used. Participants read a description of one of four situations in which a student attempted to borrow class notes and rated the controllability of the cause for needing help, the personal benefit of providing help, emotions toward the student seeking help, and willingness to help in the described situation. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results support previous findings and the attribution-emotion-action model. However, the helping situation moderated the relationships within the model. The effects of controllability on emotions toward the help-seeking peer were stronger, but the effects of emotions on helping judgments were weaker in the collaborative assignment situation than in the noncollaborative situation. The collaborative situation was also directly related to a greater willingness to help. The results suggest that insituations where the helper's outcome also depends on the person seeking help, the decision to help is guided more by a cost-benefit analysis than by an attributional analysis.

Church and Youth Resilience to Substance Abuse: Assessing Church Responses, Challenges and Gaps

Realising the fundamental role of the church in youth development and social work, the study investigates the responses, challenges and gaps in combating youth substance abuse by the church. It highlights the need for holistic interventions while emphasising the need for mental health resilience. The study employed a qualitative approach, combining document analysis and review of literary materials to assess church and substance abuse among youth, especially cases studied in the Philippines and Kenya. The findings indicate that the church’s interventions in youth substance abuse include moral teachings, awareness raising and support project activities. The study also underscores the importance of family dynamics in developing resilience against substance abuse. The major challenges faced by the church concerning youth substance abuse and promoting resilience include poverty and peer pressure, which hinder the youth’s desire to undergo interventions. Moreover, cultural stigma and denial from the parents or guardians block the youth from seeking help. Cultural belief systems also disrupt family connections, further underlining the need for robust support systems. An enormous gulf exists between the church and the youth, which undermines any preventative measures that might be undertaken. The research proffers useful pointers for policymakers, church leaders, and social workers regarding the lifestyle aspects that link faith, culture, and youth substance addiction. It recommends that the church customise its approaches to address the specific challenges faced by young people struggling with substance abuse, focusing on health, healing, and resilience, aligning with the challenges faced by different youths and the need for urgent attention.

Who Seeks Help? A Sociodemographic Analysis of Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment in New York

Introduction: Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is being increasingly diagnosed in the United States, but access to treatment remains unequal, particularly in New York. Identifying the factors that contribute to disparities in receiving treatment for CUD among different population groups is essential for ensuring effective and targeted interventions. This study explores the sociodemographic factors influencing treatment utilization for CUD in New York. Methods: Data for this study were retrieved from the 2018 Treatment Episode Data Set—Discharges (TEDS-D) of the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Sample size for the study is 422,319 people with CUD. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the odds of receiving treatment for CUD based on demographic and socioeconomic factors, as well as the type of treatment setting. Results: The results revealed significant disparities in treatment utilization. Asians/Pacific Islanders and Hawaiian Natives had lower odds of receiving treatment compared to African Americans (OR = 0.367, 95% CI 0.341–0.394). Similarly, Caucasians had the lowest odds of receiving treatment (OR = 0.270, 95% CI 0.266–0.275). Females were less likely to receive treatment compared to males (OR = 0.756, 95% CI 0.744–0.768). Those with higher educational attainment (over four years of college) had the lowest odds of receiving treatment, while individuals with 9–11th grade education had the highest odds. Employment status also influenced treatment access, with the unemployed having the highest odds, and full-time employees having the lowest. Additionally, individuals with no source of income had significantly lower odds of receiving treatment. Conclusions: This study highlights significant disparities in the provision of treatment for CUD in New York, influenced by sociodemographic factors such as race, gender, age, education, and employment status. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reduce these disparities and improve treatment access for underserved populations.

Experiences of help-seeking among adolescents with depression: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

The objective of this systematic review is to explore the experiences of help-seeking among adolescents with depression, with a specific focus on understanding the experiences and exploring the facilitators and barriers related to seeking help for depression. Depression is recognized as a serious mental health problem among adolescents, characterized by its high prevalence and significant burden. Help-seeking plays a crucial role in managing depression, yet little is known about the experiences of adolescents in seeking help for depression. The review will include studies focused on adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, as well as those with a mean age within this range who are experiencing or have experienced depression. Studies that include experiences of help-seeking for depression, including barriers and facilitators, conducted in diverse settings, including hospitals, health care centers, schools, and participants' homes, will be considered. PubMed, Embase (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI (a Chinese medical literature database), and Wan Fang and Wei Pu databases will be systematically searched for articles relevant to participants and experiences. Two independent researchers will select studies, extract data, and critically assess the methodological quality. Meta-aggregation will be utilized to synthesize the data, and the ConQual approach will be applied to establish confidence in the synthesized findings. PROSPERO CRD42024573138.

Barriers to self-care and seeking help among mental health professionals and trainees: A systematic review.

Barriers to self-care and seeking help among mental health professionals and trainees: A systematic review.

Structural Configuration and Restoring Power of Public Elementary School Teachers

This study aimed to determine the significant influence of the domains of structural configuration and restoring power of public elementary school teachers in Talomo District, Division of Davao City. This study used the non-experimental quantitative research design utilizing the correlational method. The respondents of this study were the 131 teachers of public elementary schools in Talomo District, Division of Davao City, using universal sampling. The data analysis utilized the mean, pearson r and regression analysis. The findings disclosed that the degree of structural configuration of public elementary school teachers in terms of narrow-mindedness, accountability and participation were high and manifested oftentimes. Moreover, the level of restoring power of public elementary school teachers in terms of dignity, carefulness, optimistic, practical, and compassion were high and manifested oftentimes. It was found that there was a significant relationship between structural configuration and restoring power of public elementary school teachers. It revealed further that the domains of structural configuration significantly influence the restoring power of teachers. Based on the findings, it is recommended that school heads enhance the structural configuration and restoring power of public school teachers, particularly in identified gray areas. These include improving teachers' visibility and collaboration with co-teachers, encouraging openness to seeking help when needed, and promoting thoughtful decision-making practices. Strengthening these aspects may contribute to professional growth and increased effectiveness, ultimately supporting the goal of improving educational outcomes for learners.

Supplemental Material for Barriers to Self-Care and Seeking Help Among Mental Health Professionals and Trainees: A Systematic Review

Supplemental Material for Barriers to Self-Care and Seeking Help Among Mental Health Professionals and Trainees: A Systematic Review

Perceptions and attitudes of mental healthcare providers regarding unconventional causes and treatments for psychiatric disorders in Saudi Arabia.

ObjectiveThe stigmatization of mental illnesses remains an obstacle to seeking help and proper treatment. This study explored the knowledge and attitudes of mental health providers (MHPs) toward unconventional causes and treatments for psychiatric disorders in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between July and December 2020 with MHPs working in the governmental and private sectors, including general and mental health hospitals and centers across Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes toward patients with psychiatric disorders, and perceptions of causes and treatments for psychiatric disorders.ResultsIn total, 449 MHPs completed the questionnaire. More than half (51.7%) believed that supernatural causes could contribute to mental illness. In terms of treatment, most MHPs believed cauterization (81.1%), drinking occasionally (78.8%), cupping therapy (74.2%), amphetamine or hash (63.5%), and headbands (51%) were helpful. Reluctance to marry a person previously diagnosed with mental illness is the most widely agreed upon attitude toward mental illness. Multivariate analysis indicated that psychiatrists and psychologists (29% of MHPs) were the least likely to believe in supernatural causes compared to other MHPs (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe findings of this study highlight the need for awareness and education about MHPs regarding scientific causes and proven treatments for mental illnesses. Evidence-based information is essential to dispel misconceptions regarding mental health problems. Doing so may help reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by those suffering from mental illnesses, thereby supporting their recovery.

Psychological Distress, Coping Mechanisms, and Help-Seeking Behaviors among Filipino International Students in Australia: A Basis for Developing a Peer Support Mental Health Program

The population of Filipino international students in Australia has shown rapid growth over the past years. Previous research has discussed the challenges of international students when moving to their host country, including language barriers, financial issues, living arrangements, and cultural adjustments that may lead to psychological distress when not addressed. International students use different coping mechanisms to cope with these challenges. In line with this, mental health programs are promoted by their host country, however, research proved that international students are unlikely to seek psychological help due to help-seeking barriers. This study investigated the relationship between psychological distress, coping mechanisms, and help-seeking behaviors of Filipino international students in Australia. The study was utilized in a quantitative study through descriptive-correlational and descriptive comparative research design on the data obtained from three hundred eight six (386) respondents, which was selected using a purposive sampling technique. The data are gathered using an online survey questionnaire containing the Informed Consent Form, Personal Data Sheet, Kessler-10 (K-10), Brief COPE Scale, and General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ). Results revealed that Filipino international students in Australia are most likely to have a moderate disorder, and they most likely use problem-focused coping mechanisms. Although psychological distress is evident, Filipino international students did not prefer to seek help in the event of personal problems or suicidal ideation. The relationship between the variables revealed that psychological distress positively correlates with coping mechanisms particularly problem-focused (r = 0.354) and emotion-focused (r = 0.546) coping mechanisms; psychological distress did not show any relationship with the help-seeking behaviors of the subjects (r = 0.059, r = -0.028); and Help-seeking behavior revealed a significant relationship with coping mechanisms (r = 0.211 &amp; r = 0.213, r = 0.192 &amp; r = 0.13, r = 0.118). The results indicated that coping mechanisms were used by Filipino international students when experiencing psychological distress. However, Filipino international students in Australia did not prefer seeking help in times of psychological distress. Moreover, psychological distress and avoidant coping mechanisms were shown to vary on age (p = 0.001, p = 0.039), and the financial capacity of the respondents is an important factor in their help-seeking behavior (p = 0.038, p = 0.5557). Furthermore, the results of the study revealed the importance of KALMA a peer support mental health program to address the ongoing challenges and psychological distress of the respondents.

Olympic and Paralympic coaches' perceived barriers to mental health help-seeking: a concept mapping study.

To investigate challenges associated with mental health help-seeking among Olympic and Paralympic coaches. The study also sought to identify which challenges were most important and feasible to address. The study employed a mixed-methods group concept mapping methodology. Participants brainstormed, sorted (into groups) and rated (for importance and feasibility) statements on 5-point Likert scales in response to the prompt, 'What makes it challenging for an Olympic or Paralympic coach to seek help for their mental health?'. Nineteen Olympic coaches, Paralympic coaches and mental health professionals participated. Participants brainstormed 68 unique statements. Ranked by importance, 10 core clusters of challenges were identified: (1) pressures and instability within high-performance sports environments, (2) stigma associated with mental health help-seeking, (3) lack of prioritisation for own mental health care, (4) lack of environmental safety to seek mental health support, (5) lack of adequate mental health literacy, (6) time constraints, (7) expectations to manage role-related pressures, (8) misconceptions about mental resilience, (9) lack of access to mental health support, and (10) hesitance to engage with mental health practitioners. A 'lack of adequate mental health literacy' and 'pressures and instability within high-performance sports environments' were rated the most and least feasible challenges to address, respectively. While dynamic individual factors with high feasibility may offer short-term solutions (eg, mental health literacy), sports organisations should prioritise eliminating culturally embedded barriers deterring coaches from seeking help. Considering their unique insights, coaches and mental health professionals should play an active role in developing psychological supports for coaches.