1
|
Güney E, Aydemir AF, Iyit N, Alkan Ö. Gender differences in psychological help-seeking attitudes: a case in Türkiye. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1289435. [PMID: 38515972 PMCID: PMC10954894 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1289435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Mental disorders pose a substantial public health challenge within the overall disease burden. This study aims to determine the factors associated with seeking psychological help among individuals experiencing depression according to gender differences in Türkiye. Methods The study utilized microdata from Türkiye Health Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute in 2016, 2019, and 2022. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with seeking psychological help. Results The study's findings reveal that variables such as survey year, age, education level, employment status, general health status, disease status, depression status, day service status in the hospital, daily activity status, tobacco use status, and alcohol use status are associated with the status of receiving psychological help. Conclusion Gender-specific analysis indicated variations in the significance and impact of these variables among individuals seeking psychological help. In the development of preventive strategies for mental health protection, special attention should be given to factors associated with the psychological help-seeking behavior of both women and men. Prioritizing and addressing these factors will contribute to more effective mental health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Güney
- Department of Econometrics, Faculty of Political Sciences, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Fatih Aydemir
- Department of International Trade and Logistics, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Neslihan Iyit
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Selçuk University, Konya, Türkiye
| | - Ömer Alkan
- Department of Econometrics, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye
- Master Araştırma Eğitim ve Danışmanlık Hizmetleri Ltd. Şti., Erzurum, Türkiye
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schiff M, Pat-Horenczyk R, Benbenishty R. University students coping with COVID-19 challenges: Do they need help? JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:578-586. [PMID: 35271417 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2048838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study examined students' perceived levels of coping and need for help, and the relationship with their risks and protective factors during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. Participants: A sample of 4,710 university students responded anonymously to an online questionnaire. Methods: The risk and protective factors assessed were: specific COVID-related functional difficulties, levels of social support, and trust in the university authorities and the government in handling the crisis. Results: The most frequent COVID-19 related difficulties were: worry for the health of family members (64.4%) and difficulties with online learning (63.2%). Almost half of the students (47.3%) reported that they needed at least a little help. Hierarchical regression analyses for coping and need for help showed that COVID-related difficulties predicted lower levels of perceived coping and a higher need for help. Conclusions: Universities need to build specific services for students to provide concrete support throughout this continuous health crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schiff
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ruth Pat-Horenczyk
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rami Benbenishty
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Education, Andrés Bello National University, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kim J, Phillips JG, Ogeil RP. Nowhere else to go: Help seeking online and maladaptive decisional styles. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.107103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
4
|
Boukpessi TB, Kpanake L, Gagnier JP. Willingness to Use Mental Health Services for Depression Among African Immigrants and White Canadian-Born People in the Province of Quebec, Canada. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 23:320-328. [PMID: 32740883 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01061-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggest that non-Caucasian immigrants to Canada are less likely than Canadian-born people to use mental health services. To meet the mental health needs of ethnocultural minorities, insights into their help-seeking attitudes are of great concern. This study examined the willingness of African immigrants and White Canadian-born to seek care for depression from conventional mental health services. African immigrants (N = 262) and White Canadian-born people (N = 250) living in Montreal, Canada, indicated their willingness to use mental health services under different conditions varying as a function of four factors: the severity of symptoms, the waiting time for first consultation, the type of care offered in the mental health service, and whether informal sources of help were available. Seven qualitatively different positions were identified: Never Consult (18% of the African immigrants and 1% of the White Canadian-born people); Hesitant (18% of the African immigrants and 7% of the White Canadian-born people); Depends on Waiting Time (16% of the African immigrants); Depends on Waiting Time and Symptoms (22% of the African immigrants); Depends on Symptoms (36% of the White Canadian-born people and 6% of the African immigrants); Willing to consult (33% of the White Canadian-born people and 2% of the African immigrants); Certain to Consult (9% of the White Canadian-born people and 4% of the African immigrants), while 14% of participants in each group did not express any position. African immigrants were more likely to underuse mental health services, compared with White Canadian-born people. The above diversity of positions strongly suggests that the design and implementation of interventions to reduce disparities in African immigrants' use of mental health care must not be "one size fits all" but must be tailored to address these immigrants' differing attitudes and needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lonzozou Kpanake
- University of Québec - TELUQ, 5800, Rue Saint-Denis, Bureau 1105, Montréal, QC, H2S 3L5, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Gagnier
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC, G8Z 4M3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Towards a model of professional help-seeking for women's perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: The application of the information-processing model of help-seeking decisions. J Affect Disord 2021; 282:686-688. [PMID: 33445092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
6
|
Zochil ML, Thorsteinsson EB. Exploring poor sleep, mental health, and help‐seeking intention in university students. AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ajpy.12160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina L. Zochil
- Department of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia,
| | - Einar B. Thorsteinsson
- Department of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Exploring older adults’ experiences seeking psychological services using the network episode model. AGEING & SOCIETY 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x20000719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractOlder adults’ mental health problems are a growing public health concern, especially because their rate of mental health service use is particularly low. Decades of mental health service utilisation models have been developed, yet key assumptions from these models focus primarily on factors that facilitate or inhibit access into the treatment system without taking into considering the dynamics of how individuals respond to their mental health problems and engage in service utilisation. More recently, dynamic models like the Network Episode Model (NEM-II) have been developed to challenge the underlying, rational choice assumption of traditional utilisation models. Given the multifaceted and complex nature of older adults’ mental health problems, the objective of this study was to examine whether the NEM-II is a helpful and appropriate model for understanding the dynamic process of how older adults navigate the mental health system, including factors that advanced and delayed help-seeking. Our qualitative analyses from 15 interviews with older adults revealed that their backgrounds, social supports and treatment systems influence, and are influenced by, their illness careers. Factors that delayed help-seeking included: a lack of support, ‘inappropriate’ referrals/advice from treatment professionals and poor mental health literacy. This research suggests the NEM-II is a helpful and appropriate theory for understanding older adults’ pathways to treatment, and has implications to enhance older adults’ access to psychological services.
Collapse
|
8
|
Berard LDH, Mackenzie CS, Reynolds KA, Thompson G, Koven L, Beatie B. Choice, coercion, and/or muddling through: Older adults' experiences in seeking psychological treatment. Soc Sci Med 2020; 255:113011. [PMID: 32387873 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Help-seeking related to mental health concerns has been found to decrease as age increases . Despite extensive literature devoted to barriers to accessing mental health services, the reasons why older adults are especially unlikely to seek treatment are not well understood. The present study had two objectives concerning the experiences of older adults accessing outpatient psychological treatment: 1) classifying pathways into treatment using the Network Episode Model (NEM; Pescosolido et al., 1998), and 2) critically examining whether these pathways effectively captured the process of seeking treatment for older adults. Utilizing secondary qualitative data from three studies (N = 35), we met our first objective of classifying pathways according to the NEM with directed content analysis. The majority (n = 21, 60%) of older adults willingly accessed treatment (choice) and 42.9% of those involved 'others' in their help-seeking by way of referrals or support. The remaining participants' (n = 14, 40%) pathways into treatment reflected a process of muddling through (being unsure of their need for mental health services and where to access support, or bouncing around the treatment system). No participants' pathways were categorized as coercive. To meet our second objective, we used conventional content analysis to explore how best to categorize pathways to treatment. Findings demonstrated that a minority of participants (n = 10, 28.6%) had a help-seeking journey that represented only one of the three pathways. Instead, most participants described a lengthy period of muddling through, eventually followed by a willingness to seek help. These findings highlight the complex process of seeking treatment, and suggest a need to implement more direct mental health literacy interventions to reduce the amount of time spent muddling through, while improving the experience of mental health help-seeking for older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay D H Berard
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Corey S Mackenzie
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Kristin A Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Genevieve Thompson
- College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 491 Helen Glass Centre for Nursing, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| | - Lesley Koven
- Department of Clinical Health Psychology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, PZ350 - 771 Bannatyne Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3E 3N4, Canada.
| | - Brooke Beatie
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bracke P, Delaruelle K, Verhaeghe M. Dominant Cultural and Personal Stigma Beliefs and the Utilization of Mental Health Services: A Cross-National Comparison. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2019; 4:40. [PMID: 33869363 PMCID: PMC8022809 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2019.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The detrimental impact of stigma on the utilization of mental health services is a well-established finding. Nevertheless, most studies consider only the personal or interactional dimensions of stigma. This contribution makes a distinction between the dominant beliefs about stigma within a culture and the personal beliefs of individuals with regard to stigma. We hypothesize that both have an impact on professional-care seeking within the field of mental health. Methods: A multi-level research design is used to estimate the effects of both types of stigma beliefs on the likelihood of consulting general and specialized health professionals about mental health problems in 28 European countries (N of individuals = 24,881, Eurobarometer 248, 2005-2006). Results: In countries where stigmatizing beliefs are dominant, the likelihood of seeking help from specialized mental health professionals is constrained, and individuals refrain from contacting general practitioners when in need of formal support, regardless of their own personal stigma beliefs. Conclusion: The present study signals the importance of stigma beliefs as shared cultural phenomena, and of personal stigma beliefs to the likelihood of seeking professional care for mental health problems. We therefore propose that most studies on stigma and formal-care seeking underestimate the pervasive effects of stigma beliefs, due to methodological individualism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piet Bracke
- Department of Sociology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Piet Bracke
| | | | - Mieke Verhaeghe
- Department of Applied Social Studies, VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Kortrijk, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Parnell KJ, Scheel MJ, Davis CK, Black WW. An Investigation of Couples’ Help-Seeking: A Multiple Case Study. CONTEMPORARY FAMILY THERAPY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10591-017-9427-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
11
|
Britt TW, Jennings KS, Cheung JH, Pury CL, Zinzow HM, Raymond MA, McFadden AC. Determinants of mental health treatment seeking among soldiers who recognize their problem: implications for high-risk occupations. WORK AND STRESS 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/02678373.2016.1246490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
12
|
Savage H, Murray J, Hatch SL, Hotopf M, Evans-Lacko S, Brown JSL. Exploring Professional Help-Seeking for Mental Disorders. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2016; 26:1662-1673. [PMID: 26130654 DOI: 10.1177/1049732315591483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Only a third of people with mental disorders seek professional help. In this study, we aimed to investigate attitudes toward help-seeking among non-help-seekers drawn from a community survey in South London. We conducted qualitative interviews with 24 participants with symptoms of mental disorders. We analyzed data using thematic analysis. Participants' reasons for not seeking professional help included perceiving their problems as normal or unsuitable for professional help, negative expectations of professional help, believing informal strategies were sufficient, fearing being stigmatized for having a mental disorder and help-seeking, and self-perceptions of being strong and/or self-reliant. A small number (n = 4) had resolved their problems. Participants with unresolved mental disorders (n = 20) had more chronic stressors, particularly about finances and family relationships, and greater concerns about professional help and stigma than other participants. Potential targets for interventions to encourage help-seeking could be focused around stigma about help-seeking as well as the self-perception of being strong.
Collapse
|
13
|
Elchert DM, Gaasedelen OJ. Morality and Adult Attachment Style as Predictors of Psychotherapy Process and Outcome Expectations. COUNSELING AND VALUES 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/cvj.12027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Elchert
- Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations; University of Iowa
| | - Owen J. Gaasedelen
- Department of Psychological and Quantitative Foundations; University of Iowa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pheko MM, Monteiro N, Tlhabano KN, Mphele SBM. Rural-to-urban migrations: acculturation experiences among university students in Botswana. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENCE AND YOUTH 2014; 19:306-317. [PMID: 25431511 PMCID: PMC4238304 DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2014.928782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many students in Botswana migrate from small rural villages and towns to the
larger urban centres to attend university, and are subsequently required to
adapt or acculturate to their new environments. However, the existing literature
and research on acculturation experiences of students who migrate from
rural-to-urban centres in Botswana is almost non-existent. The current study was
therefore a qualitative exploratory investigation of the experiences of the
students who migrate from rural-to-urban centres. Purposive sampling was used to
recruit participants who contributed to a Talking Circle focus group.
Researchers transcribed the interviews and used content analysis to uncover
response themes. Findings indicated that the majority of students experienced
some culture shock and a number of environmental and specific systemic stressors
in their first two years of university life. Theoretical implications for
understanding rural-to-urban acculturation and practical implications for
university counselling approaches are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mpho M Pheko
- Department of Psychology, University of Botswana , Gaborone , Botswana
| | - Nicole Monteiro
- Department of Psychology, University of Botswana , Gaborone , Botswana
| | - Kagiso N Tlhabano
- Department of Psychology, University of Botswana , Gaborone , Botswana
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Anglin DM, Greenspoon MI, Lighty Q, Corcoran CM, Yang LH. Spontaneous labelling and stigma associated with clinical characteristics of peers 'at-risk' for psychosis. Early Interv Psychiatry 2014; 8:247-52. [PMID: 23594363 PMCID: PMC3887128 DOI: 10.1111/eip.12047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The public health benefits of utilizing an 'at-risk for psychosis' designation are tempered by concerns about stigma. It is therefore of interest to examine whether symptoms associated with this designation might spontaneously induce labels associated with a psychotic disorder, other non-psychotic disorders or non-psychiatric labels. This pilot study explored the labels associated with characteristics of 'high risk for psychosis' and the corresponding stigma level. METHODS A vignette describing an identical character, followed by a series of questions about stigmatizing attitudes towards the vignette character, was administered in the present investigation. RESULTS The results indicated that even though most young people (59%) did not spontaneously label the vignette character with psychotic-like diagnostic labels, the single most frequent label provided was 'paranoid/a'. When such labelling, that is, strongly tied to psychosis, occurred, respondents exhibited stronger stigmatizing attributions of fear compared to those indicating non-psychiatric labels (e.g. 'weird'). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the majority of respondents did not endorse diagnostic labels spontaneously, thus signaling that stigma in the majority of cases would not naturalistically be elicited. However, a segment of respondents evidenced stigma simply from behavioural changes manifested by individuals exhibiting signs of psychosis, independent of diagnosis. Implications for reducing any stigma associated with an 'at-risk for psychosis' designation are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deidre M Anglin
- The City College and Graduate Center of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Elliott KP, Westmacott R, Hunsley J, Rumstein-McKean O, Best M. The Process of Seeking Psychotherapy and Its Impact on Therapy Expectations and Experiences. Clin Psychol Psychother 2014; 22:399-408. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.1900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Hunsley
- School of Psychology; University of Ottawa; Ottawa Canada
| | | | - Marlene Best
- School of Psychology; University of Ottawa; Ottawa Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yap MBH, Reavley NJ, Jorm AF. The associations between psychiatric label use and young people's help-seeking preferences: results from an Australian national survey. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2014; 23:51-9. [PMID: 23438596 PMCID: PMC6998306 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796013000073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims. Emerging evidence suggests that psychiatric labels may facilitate help seeking in young people. This study examined whether young people's use of accurate labels for five disorders would predict their help-seeking preferences. Methods. Young people's help-seeking intentions were assessed by a national telephone survey of 3021 Australian youths aged 15-25. Respondents were presented with a vignette of a young person portraying depression, depression with suicidal thoughts, psychosis, social phobia or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They were then asked what they thought was wrong with the person, and where they would go for help if they had a similar problem. Results. Accurate psychiatric label use was associated with a preference to seek help from a general practitioner or mental health specialist. Accurately labelling the psychosis vignette was also associated with a preference to not seek help from family or friends. Conclusions. Findings add to the emerging evidence that accurate psychiatric labelling may facilitate help seeking for various mental disorders in young people, and support the promise of community awareness campaigns designed to improve young people's ability to accurately identify mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. B. H. Yap
- Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - N. J. Reavley
- Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - A. F. Jorm
- Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Population Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Azar M, Bradbury-Jones C, Kroll T. Patterns of help-seeking in women when problems arise in their sexual life: a discussion paper. J Clin Nurs 2013; 22:3587-96. [PMID: 24028212 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore patterns of help-seeking in women who have sexual dysfunction and the implications for nursing practice. BACKGROUND Female sexual dysfunction is a common problem that is under-reported and untreated. Barriers to help-seeking reported in existing literature relate to the perception among many women that sexual dysfunction is: part of the normal ageing process; not bothersome or does not exist; an issue that health professionals are reluctant to address; a taboo subject. However, little is known about patterns of help-seeking in women with sexual problems. This leaves a potential gap in nursing knowledge regarding appropriate, supportive strategies. DESIGN Discursive inquiry framed theoretically by Vogel's model. METHODS A literature review was undertaken by searching relevant databases. A combination of keywords was used to identify peer-review papers relating to women's help-seeking behaviour for sexual dysfunction. Vogel's model was used as a framework to extract relevant information from the papers and structure the discussion. RESULTS Vogel's model comprises four steps: encoding and interpreting, generating options, decision-making and evaluation of behaviour. Using this stepwise approach helped elucidate the complex mechanisms associated with help-seeking in a structured manner. The key issues associated with help-seeking intention are concerned with women's personal awareness of and interaction with the environment. CONCLUSIONS Vogel's model offers a new approach to understanding the dynamics that underpin women's decisions to seek professional help when sexual concerns arise and also provides a useful framework for nurses to consider women's specific sexual concerns. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Implications for nursing practice are focused on public awareness, women's empowerment and the provision of effective sexual health care. Because sexual dysfunction is a global phenomenon, it is likely that the discussion in this paper will be relevant to an international, nursing readership.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Azar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Psychiatric labels and other influences on young people's stigmatizing attitudes: Findings from an Australian national survey. J Affect Disord 2013; 148:299-309. [PMID: 23333077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2012.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma is a major impediment to help seeking for mental disorders by young people. To reduce stigma and improve help seeking, a better understanding of the influences on different components of stigma for different disorders is required. METHODS In 2011, a telephone interview was conducted with a national sample of 2522 Australians aged 15-25 years. Participants were presented with a vignette of a young person portraying either depression, depression with suicidal thoughts, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder or psychosis. They were then asked what they thought was wrong with the person, exposure to mental health problems in themselves and in family or friends, stigmatizing attitudes, and their awareness of beyondblue. RESULTS Accurate psychiatric labeling of the mental disorder presented in the vignette and beyondblue awareness were the best predictors of less stigmatizing attitudes, followed closely by exposure to family or friends with mental health problems. Across vignettes, the personally held stigmatizing perception of mental health problems as a weakness rather than an illness was most strongly associated with these predictors. LIMITATIONS Stigma and labeling were assessed with reference to a vignette character and may not reflect actual experience or behaviors. Other limitations include the cross-sectional design and potential for social desirability bias in the stigma measure. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that community awareness campaigns (such as those by beyondblue) that encourage appropriate close contact with others affected by mental health problems and improved accurate psychiatric label use may have potential to counter various aspects of stigma, especially personal beliefs that mental illness is a weakness.
Collapse
|
20
|
Wright A, Jorm AF, Mackinnon AJ. Labels used by young people to describe mental disorders: which ones predict effective help-seeking choices? Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2012; 47:917-26. [PMID: 21626056 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-011-0399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mental disorders are common in young people, yet many do not seek help. Being able to label the problem may facilitate effective help-seeking, but it is not clear which labels are best. This study aims to examine which labels commonly used by young people are associated with a preference for recommended sources of help and treatment. METHOD A national telephone survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 2,802 Australian young people aged 12-25 years. Respondents were read out one of three vignettes describing symptoms of a mental disorder, and asked a series of questions regarding labelling of the problem described and related help-seeking preferences and beliefs. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to measure the association between type of label used and help-seeking preferences and beliefs. RESULTS Use of the accurate label to describe the problem in the vignette predicted a preference for recommended sources of help with greater consistency than any other labels commonly used by young people. Inaccurate mental health labels did predict some preferences for recommended sources of help and treatment, but not to the extent of the accurate label. Lay labels such as "stress", "paranoid" and "shy" predicted less intention to seek any help for the problem described in the vignette. CONCLUSIONS Labelling a disorder accurately does predict a preference for recommended sources of help and a belief in the helpfulness of recommended treatments. Importantly, it is also apparent that some commonly used lay labels cannot do this and indeed may limit appropriate help-seeking and treatment acceptance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Wright
- Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne, Locked Bag 10, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lorian CN, Grisham JR. Clinical implications of risk aversion: an online study of risk-avoidance and treatment utilization in pathological anxiety. J Anxiety Disord 2011; 25:840-8. [PMID: 21596518 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2011.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that the pervasive tendency to avoid perceived risks (i.e., the safety bias) may be implicated in the maintenance of pathological anxiety. These studies have not explored, however, the potential clinical implications of such a bias, such as the influence of risk aversion on treatment seeking. The aim of this study was to investigate how risk-avoidance is related to willingness to seek treatment in an online sample of clinically anxious individuals with social phobia (SP), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Healthy control participants (n=117) and those endorsing criteria for one or more anxiety disorder(s) (n=92; SP, n=33; OCD, n=19; GAD, n=40) were recruited from various online sources. Respondents completed an online survey comprised of a validated diagnostic interview, self-report measures assessing for symptom severity, risk-taking across various domains, a generalized index of risk-taking and treatment utilization. Consistent with hypotheses, SP and GAD individuals reported significantly more risk-avoidance when compared to non-clinical controls. Furthermore, willingness to seek treatment was found to be positively associated with social risk-taking and generalized risk-taking orientation in clinically anxious individuals who had never sought treatment. These results suggest that certain individual cognitive factors may contribute to the decision to seek treatment and may provide an interesting avenue of future investigation for increasing service utilization and treatment seeking in anxious populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn N Lorian
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Labeling of mental disorders and stigma in young people. Soc Sci Med 2011; 73:498-506. [PMID: 21794967 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Revised: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mental disorders are common in young people, yet many do not seek help. The use of psychiatric labels to describe mental disorders is associated with effective help-seeking choices, and is promoted in community awareness initiatives designed to improve help-seeking. However these labels may also be coupled with stigmatizing beliefs and therefore inhibit help-seeking: lay mental health or non-specific labels may be less harmful. We examined the association between labeling of mental disorders and stigma in youth using data from a national telephone survey of 2802 Australians aged 12-25 years conducted from June 2006 to August 2006. Label use and stigmatizing beliefs were assessed in response to vignettes of a young person experiencing depression, psychosis or social phobia. Logistic regressions examined the association between a range of labels commonly used, including psychiatric labels, and a range of stigma components. There were no significant associations between label use and the stigma components of "stigma perceived in others", "reluctance to disclose" and for the most part "social distance". Most mental health labels were associated with seeing the person as "sick" rather than "weak" and accurate psychiatric labels had the strongest effect sizes. However, for the psychosis vignette, the "dangerous/unpredictable" component was predicted by the labels "schizophrenia/psychosis", "mental illness" and "psychological problem", and the accurate psychiatric label showed the strongest association. For all vignettes, generic lay labels were not associated with stigma, but also rarely had a counter stigma effect. These findings suggest that the use of accurate psychiatric labels by young people is seldom associated with stigma and may assist young people by reducing perceptions of weakness. However, community education that promotes accurate labeling of psychosis should proceed with caution and address beliefs about dangerousness and unpredictability.
Collapse
|
23
|
Hammer JH, Vogel DL. Men’s Help Seeking for Depression: The Efficacy of a Male-Sensitive Brochure About Counseling. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/0011000009351937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Although depression among men is becoming better understood, men still underuse counseling services. Hence, there is an important need for improved ways to reach out to depressed men. This study examined the efficacy of a male-sensitive brochure aimed toward improving attitudes about seeking counseling and reducing the self-stigma of seeking counseling among 1,397 depressed men who had not previously sought help for their depression. Results indicate that the male-sensitive brochure, which incorporated current knowledge from the psychology of men and masculinity and mental health marketing, improved participants’ attitudes and reduced their self-stigma toward counseling. Furthermore, the new brochure improved attitudes and reduced stigma to a greater degree than previously developed brochures. Implications for mental health marketing, practice, and research are discussed.
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
PURPOSE. This study explored the relationship between self-reported mental health symptoms and help-seeking behaviors of active-duty Air Force members. DESIGN AND METHODS. Mixed-methods approach reviewed 200 postdeployment surveys from active-duty members assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA. Chi-square analysis examined significance between self-reporting mental health problems and accessing treatment. FINDINGS. As the rate of self-reported mental health symptoms increased, active-duty members were less inclined to seek help. There were inconsistencies among gender for self-reporting and accessing services. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Air Force psychiatric nurses need to be at the forefront of outreach services when treating combat-stressed troops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne Visco
- Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kovess-Masféty V, Saragoussi D, Sevilla-Dedieu C, Gilbert F, Suchocka A, Arveiller N, Gasquet I, Younes N, Hardy-Bayle MC. What makes people decide who to turn to when faced with a mental health problem? Results from a French survey. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:188. [PMID: 17672899 PMCID: PMC1976618 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-7-188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2007] [Accepted: 07/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unequal use of mental health care is a great issue, even in countries with universal health coverage. Better knowledge of the factors that have an impact on the pathway to mental health care may be a great help for designing education campaigns and for best organizing health care delivery. The objective of this study is to explore the determinants of help-seeking intentions for mental health problems and which factors influence treatment opinions and the reliance on and compliance with health professionals' advice. METHODS 441 adults aged 18 to 70 were randomly selected from the general population of two suburban districts near Paris and agreed to participate in the study (response rate = 60.4%). The 412 respondents with no mental health problems based on the CIDI-SF and the CAGE, who had not consulted for a mental health problem in the previous year, were asked in detail about their intentions to seek help in case of a psychological disorder and about their opinion of mental health treatments. The links between the respondents' characteristics and intentions and opinions were explored. RESULTS More than half of the sample (57.8%) would see their general practitioner (GP) first and 46.6% would continue with their GP for follow-up. Mental health professionals were mentioned far less than GPs. People who would choose their GP first were older and less educated, whereas those who would favor mental health specialists had lower social support. For psychotherapy, respondents were split equally between seeing a GP, a psychiatrist or a psychologist. People were reluctant to take psychotropic drugs, but looked favorably on psychotherapy. CONCLUSION GPs are often the point of entry into the mental health care system and need to be supported. Public information campaigns about mental health care options and treatments are needed to educate the public, eliminate the stigma of mental illness and eliminate prejudices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Kovess-Masféty
- MGEN Foundation for Public Health; EA 4069 University of Paris 5, 3 square Max Hymans, 75748 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Delphine Saragoussi
- MGEN Foundation for Public Health; EA 4069 University of Paris 5, 3 square Max Hymans, 75748 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Christine Sevilla-Dedieu
- MGEN Foundation for Public Health; EA 4069 University of Paris 5, 3 square Max Hymans, 75748 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Fabien Gilbert
- MGEN Foundation for Public Health; EA 4069 University of Paris 5, 3 square Max Hymans, 75748 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Agnieszka Suchocka
- MGEN Foundation for Public Health; EA 4069 University of Paris 5, 3 square Max Hymans, 75748 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Nathalie Arveiller
- Versailles Hospital, 177 rue de Versailles, 78157 Le Chesnay Cedex, France
| | - Isabelle Gasquet
- Medical Policy Division (AP-HP), 3 avenue Victoria, 75184 Paris Cedex 04, France
| | - Nadia Younes
- Versailles Hospital, 177 rue de Versailles, 78157 Le Chesnay Cedex, France
| | | |
Collapse
|