Seeking Professional Psychological Help Research Articles

The stigma towards seeking help among university students: a cross-sectional study in Jordan

BackgroundMental disorders affect one in two people globally, with COVID-19 exacerbating anxiety and depression. Stigma, a major hindrance to seeking mental health services, manifests as public, perceived, and self-stigma. Cultural misconceptions contribute to public stigma. Studies show high stigmatization among university students, impacting help-seeking behavior. Arab populations exhibit varied attitudes influenced by religious beliefs. The research aims to bridge gaps in understanding stigma among university students in Jordan, focusing on the impact of post post-COVID-19 era on mental health perceptions. The study hypothesizes differences in attitudes and stigma between medical and non-medical students, investigating these aspects in Jordan.MethodsA cross-sectional study assessed attitudes and stigma related to seeking help among 1,151 university students in Jordan from June 20th to July 20th, 2023. The sample included diverse participants from Jordanian universities. Data were collected through an online survey covering sociodemographic details, psychological background, and attitudes using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH). Ethical considerations included approval from the University of Jordan Institutional Review Board and informed consent from participants.ResultsThe survey included 1151 participants. The overall mean age was 20.34 years. Among the participants, 761 (66.1%) were medical students, while 390 (33.9%) were non-medical students. The overall mean ATSPPHS score was 16.30. Medical students exhibited a significantly more positive attitude (73.3%) compared to non-medical students (26.7%). Being a medical student was associated with higher odds of having a positive attitude while being male was found to be a negative predictor.ConclusionFindings revealed that being a medical student and having prior mental health education were linked to more favorable attitudes, whereas male students tended to hold more negative views. Incorporating mental health education into non-medical curricula could be beneficial in diminishing stigma and fostering positive attitudes toward seeking help.

Gender differences in attitudes towards psychological help-seeking among chinese medical students: a comparative analysis

BackgroundMedical students are known to be at a greater risk of psychological disorders compared to the general population. However, their rate of help-seeking behavior is low. The purpose of this study was to explore the influencing factors of attitudes towards psychological help-seeking among Chinese medical students and to examine its gender differences.MethodsA total of 3,453 medical students from three medical colleges in Hainan Province, China, completed anonymous questionnaires that included socio-demographic attributes, the Family APGAR Index, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20), and the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Associations between predictor variables and attitudes towards help-seeking were explored using multivariate linear regression, and regression models with interaction terms were employed to test gender difference.ResultsThe mean score on ATSPPH-SF Scale was 15.04 ± 3.45, with males scoring significantly lower than females (14.34 vs. 15.64, P < 0.0001). For both male and female groups, psych knowledge, mental health status, family function and help-seeking utility perception significantly influenced attitudes toward psychological help-seeking. Furthermore, having more than once psycho-help experiences was positively correlated with women’s attitudes. Significant interactions were found between gender and mental health status.ConclusionAttitude towards seeking psychological help was relatively negative among Chinese medical students. The implementation of interventions should take into account the at-risk population, especially the males and individuals with poor mental health.

Stigma and its influencing factors for seeking professional psychological help among pregnant women: A cross-sectional study

Although the stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help has received significant attention, few studies have focused on the status and factors influencing this stigma among pregnant women, especially those with a Chinese cultural background. This study aimed to assess the status of stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help and its influencing factors. A total of 1325 pregnant women were recruited from Hunan Province, China. The Stigma for Seeking Professional Psychological Help questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Perceived Social Support Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics and pregnancy-related information were used. Descriptive, univariate, correlation, and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate the status of stigma and identify its influencing factors. Pregnant Chinese women experienced a mild to moderate level of stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help, and self-stigma was more common than social stigma associated with seeking psychological help. The results of the multivariate analysis suggested that perceived social support, positive coping styles, negative coping styles, and depressive symptoms were the factors influencing self-stigma and social stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help. Advanced age and a low educational level were the only predictors associated with self-stigma, while a history of multiple pregnancies had an effect only on social stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help. Chinese pregnant women experienced a mild to moderate level of stigma associated with seeking professional psychological help. Destigmatizing interventions focusing on self-stigma and social stigma should be designed according to maternal characteristics, social support, coping style, and depressive symptoms.

Treble or Trouble: Mental Health Experiences of Gender-Diverse Collegiate Marching Band Artists.

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

Mental Health Literacy and Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Among Iranian Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Mental Health Literacy and Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Among Iranian Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Attitudes towards seeking psychological help among community dwelling older adults enrolled in primary care in Chile

BackgroundDepression and anxiety are common mental disorders among older adults, but they are frequently underdiagnosed. Attitudes towards seeking professional mental health care is one of the barriers to access to treatment. This study was aimed at assessing the attitudes towards seeking psychological help among older adults who are enrolled in primary care in Chile, and to determine the associated factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 233 primary care users aged 65 or more years. The Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help was used. Reliability and factor analysis of this scale were carried out. The average scores of the scale and factors were calculated and compared, by selected variables. Multivariate linear regression was estimated to determine factors associated with attitudes towards seeking psychological help.ResultsThree factors were identified in the attitudes towards seeking psychological help: confidence in psychologists, coping alone with emotional problems, and predisposition to seek psychological help. On average, participants had a favorable attitude towards seeking psychological help, compared with previous research. Lower level of education, and risk of social isolation were inversely associated with these attitudes.ConclusionStrategies to improve mental health literacy and social connection among older adults, could have an impact on factors that mediate the access to mental health care, such as attitudes towards seeking psychological help, among people who have a lower level of education or are at risk of social isolation.

Psychological Distress and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help among Transwomen in Indonesia

Transwomen are one of the minority groups in Indonesia vulnerable to a high level of psychological distress. The level of psychological distress can indicate the need to seek psychological help. The most basic component of seeking help is attitude. Without a positive attitude, individuals are less likely to have the intention of seeking help and do seeking help. This study aimed to investigate the level of psychological distress, attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, and the relationship between symptoms of psychological distress with attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help in 117 samples of transwomen in Indonesia. Results indicated that 72% of participants were classified as having a high level of psychological distress. A negative association between anxiety symptoms and psychological openness indicated that the more symptoms of anxiety that participants were experiencing, the less likely they were to open up about their psychological problems.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, xx(xx), xx-xx.].

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.

The Stigma towards Seeking Help among Universities Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

BACKGROUND: The study aims to assess university students' attitudes and stigmas regarding seeking mental health help, focusing on the barriers they face. Existing literature highlights the prevalence of social stigma, embarrassment, and fear among medical students, which hinder their willingness to seek psychiatric treatment despite the burden of mental illness. METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional examination of university students in Jordan. A self-administered English questionnaire with three domains and 31 questions was used. The first domain collected sociodemographic data. The second domain measured attitudes using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH), a higher score indicating a better help-seeking attitude. The third domain gauged stigma using the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH), a higher score indicating a higher degree of perceived stigma. A pilot test involving over 20 participants was conducted. Data analysis will be done via SPSS version 26. Normality was tested using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to assess associations between categorical and continuous variables. A significance level of p &lt; 0.05 will be used. Finally, ethical considerations were obtained. RESULTS: In a study involving 1,151 participants. The average age of the participants was 22.35, with most identifying as female (70.7%) and single (95.1%). A majority had a monthly income exceeding 500 JDs, and around 60% lived in urban areas. Notably, 66.1% were medical students, and 88.3% were enrolled in public universities. Parental education was relatively high, with over 68% of mothers and 70% of fathers holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The study also delved into participants' mental health backgrounds, revealing that a significant portion had experienced the absence (27.6%) or death (22.7%) of first-degree relatives. A substantial number (71.5%) believed that mental illness carried a sense of embarrassment within their society, while 24.2% reported having family members who had experienced mental illness. The average score of ATSPPHS indicated that 84.7% had a negative attitude toward seeking professional help for emotional problems. Significant differences in attitudes were found across demographics, with females (p-value&lt;0.001), urban residents (p-value=0.001), and those without first-degree relatives experiencing absence or death more likely to have a higher mean (p-value=0.001, 0.002, respectively). SSRPH also yielded important insights. The mean score was 11.39, with male participants, those with absent first-degree relatives, those who believed mental illness was embarrassing, and those with family members with mental illnesses tending to have higher scores, indicating higher stigma. Lastly, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a weak negative association between ATSPPHS and SSRPH scales, suggesting that those with more positive attitudes toward seeking professional help tended to have lower stigma. CONCLUSION: In summary, the study shed light on the attitudes and stigma related to seeking professional psychological help among university students in Jordan. It found that negative attitudes were prevalent, particularly among certain demographic groups, and that attitudes were associated with the perception of stigma. These findings could inform interventions and educational programs to reduce stigma and promote a more positive attitude toward seeking mental health support.

Self-stigmatization of high-school students seeking professional psychological help: the chain-mediating effect of perceived social support and optimism.

Research has shown that stigmatization of professional psychological help-seeking is an important factor influencing attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH). However, how perceived social support (PSS) and optimism have a mediating role is not clear. Examine the associations between ATSPPH, self-stigmatization of seeking help, PSS, and optimism in a cohort of Chinese high-school students (HSSs). An offline survey was conducted in three high schools in Chongqing (China) from 20 February to 20 May 2023. Participants were HSSs recruited through their teachers. A total of 2,159 HSSs completed a survey on demographic information as well as the Self-Stigmatization of Seeking Help (SSOSH) score, ATSPPH, Perceived Social Support Scale (PASS), and Life Orientation Test (LOT). Mediation analyses were conducted using the "Process" macro in SPSS 26.0 to estimate the direct and indirect effects of self-stigmatization of seeking psychological help on ATSPPH. Self-stigmatization of seeking psychological help was significantly and negatively related to ATSPPH among HSSs. Self-stigmatization of psychological help-seeking influenced ATSPPH through three pathways: (a) separate mediating effect of PSS (effect = -0.029); (b) separate mediating effect of optimism (effect = -0.069); (c) chain-mediating effect of PSS and optimism (effect = -0.017). These data suggested that self-stigmatization of psychological help-seeking could influence ATSPPH directly and indirectly through PSS and optimism. PSS and optimism mediated the relationship between self-stigmatization of seeking help and ATSPPH. Improving the ability of HSSs to perceive social support and cultivating optimism could help improve the self-stigmatization of help-seeking and promote a positive attitude toward professional help-seeking.

Assessment of supernatural attitude toward mental health among tribal and non-tribal populations

Background: In India, only about 10% of persons with psychiatric illnesses receive evidence-based treatments. Stigma, mistrust in allopathic medicine, allegiance toward faith healers, cultural and traditional practices, and beliefs are some of the major hindrances to the treatment of mentally ill patients. Aim: To assess supernatural attitudes toward mental health among tribal and non-tribal populations. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 subjects were included in the study after informed consent, 50 of whom were tribal and 50 non-tribal. All were required to fill a self-constructed proforma, the Supernatural Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ), and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). The scales were scored, compiled, and statistically analyzed. Results: The tribal and non-tribal subjects were well-matched on socio-demographic variables. The score of SAQ was significantly higher in the tribal group as compared to the non-tribal group. On the ATSPPH-SF, the scores of the two groups were not significant. Conclusion: Even though the tribal populations of India hold a higher supernatural attitude toward mental illnesses as compared to the non-tribal populations, their treatment-seeking attitude remains unaffected.

Mental health knowledge and help-seeking intention in Irish farmers

Abstract Background Despite farmers’ vulnerability to poor mental health and high suicide rates internationally, they are often reluctant to seek help. Available mental health services are ineffective unless farmers reach out and engage with them. Barriers such as stigmatizing beliefs, masculine norms and skepticism towards professional help often prevent help-seeking. The current study examined mental health literacy, help-seeking intention and attitudes towards seeking help in Irish farmers. Methods Irish adult farmers (N = 351) completed a cross-sectional survey online or in-person at farming events. The Multicomponent Mental Health Literacy scale, Mental Help-Seeking Intention Scale and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Short Form were used. Prevalence assessments and descriptive analyses were completed and non-parametric tests were used to examine the differences between age, gender, education, income and health issues. Results Many did not know how to contact a local clinic (53.8%), obtain suicide prevention hotline number (24.2%), where to get services (24.8%) or useful information on mental illness (21.8%). Farmers had low literacy (M = 17.8) and intentions to seek help (M = 13.1), with women displaying higher literacy (p&amp;lt;.001, r=.17) and more positive attitudes towards help-seeking (p=.005, r=.15). Third level education was associated with higher literacy (p=.007, r=-.18) and positive attitudes to help-seeking (p=.024, r= -.12). Past help-seeking was associated with higher literacy (p=.043, r=.11) positive attitudes (p=.022, r=.12) and greater help-seeking intention (p=.028, r=.12). Those with mental health (p=.036, r=-.11) or substance use issues (p=.023, r=-.12) had lower help-seeking intention. Conclusions Farmers had low literacy and perceived significant barriers to help-seeking. Interventions targeting literacy, knowledge of, and access to health services are important, particularly for men and less-educated farmers. Key messages • Low literacy and knowledge of services prevents farmers from seeking help. • Farmers, particularly those who are men or less educated, require urgent intervention targeting literacy.