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Bond KL, Turner LW, Love HA, Leeper J, Stellefson M, Chaney BH. Factors associated with intentions to seek formal and informal mental health help among college students with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38875162 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2362329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identify factors associated with formal and informal mental health help-seeking intentions among college students reporting suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). PARTICIPANTS College students with STBs in the 2018-2020 Healthy Minds Study. METHODS Cross-sectional secondary analysis using logistic regressions to determine whether demographic (age, sex, race, religion, and finances) and psychosocial factors (mental health, perceptions about mental health help, and barriers) are associated with (in)formal help-seeking intentions. RESULTS Positive significant factors for all help-seeking intentions included being in a romantic relationship, Christian, symptoms of anxiety, or positive beliefs and knowledge about therapy efficacy. Depressive symptoms, Black/African American, psychological inflexibility, low perceived need, and barriers were negatively associated. Informal help-seeking was negatively associated with Hispanic/Latinx and personal stigma toward mental health. Formal help-seeking was positively associated with Asian/Asian American and negatively associated with financial stress. CONCLUSIONS Unique factors were associated with formal or informal help-seeking intentions in college students with STBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiersten L Bond
- School of Health Professions, The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, Texas, USA
| | - Lori W Turner
- Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Heather A Love
- Human Development and Family Studies, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - James Leeper
- College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael Stellefson
- Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Beth H Chaney
- Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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Guo S, Goldfeld S, Mundy L. Factors that impact mental health help-seeking in Australian adolescents: a life-course and socioecological perspective. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2024; 29:170-180. [PMID: 38494190 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Help-seeking provides opportunities for early prevention and intervention of mental health problems. However, little is known about factors that impact help-seeking from a life-course and socioecological perspective. This study aimed to examine factors that impact adolescents' formal and informal help-seeking in three population groups: the whole population, adolescents with depressive symptoms and adolescents with anxiety symptoms. METHODS We drew on data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children birth cohort. Participants were followed from birth to 14-15 years. Based on previous literature and life-course and socioecological models, we measured a range of factors at individual and family, interpersonal and community levels at three time points (0-1 year, 4-5 years and 12-13 years). Outcomes at 14-15 years were help-seeking behaviours divided into three categories (formal help from health professionals, close informal help from friends and family members and broad informal help from other sources). Generalised linear models with logit-binomial links were used. RESULTS There were varying and common patterns of influencing factors across the three population groups and sources of help-seeking. In the whole population, five common factors (female, previous depressive or anxiety symptoms, discrimination and bully victimisation) were associated with all three sources of help-seeking. Among adolescents with depressive or anxiety symptoms, four common barriers to help-seeking were male adolescents, speaking a language other than English, having poor relationships with peers and less social support. CONCLUSION Both intrinsic and extrinsic barriers exist for adolescents' mental health help-seeking. There are priority groups of adolescents with mental health problems who are unlikely to seek support and warrant attention. There is a need for multisector collaborations to address barriers to mental health care and promote help-seeking among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaijun Guo
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Sharon Goldfeld
- Centre for Community Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Lisa Mundy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Aryal R, Rajbanshi M, Pokhrel S, Regmi S, Mali P, Baskota S. Help-seeking behaviour towards anxiety among undergraduate students of Nepal: a web-based cross-sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:146-152. [PMID: 38222717 PMCID: PMC10783325 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Stigma among mental disorders like anxiety has been identified as an important barrier in help-seeking by national policymakers. Anxiety disorders are quite common among college students, and their severity and prevalence are growing. This study aimed to assess help-seeking behavior (HSB) towards anxiety among undergraduate students of Kathmandu University (KU). Methodology A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 undergraduate students. General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ) tool was used to assess HSB. Frequencies, percentages, mean, and Standard Deviation were calculated to assess the characteristics of the participants. Factors associated with HSB were examined using Chi-Square test. Pearson correlation was determined to find out the association between professional and informal sources for seeking help. All the tests were carried out at the statistically significant level at a P-value of 0.05. Results The mean (±SD) age was 20.3±1.1 years in this study. This study demonstrated that 36.5 and 17.5% of the participants were extremely likely to seek help from parents and psychiatrists towards anxiety, respectively. Sex (OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3) was significantly associated with parents, education was significantly associated with parents (OR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.6), and friends (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9), meanwhile, ethnicity (OR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9), and residence (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8) were significantly associated with psychiatrists and psychologists for help-seeking behavior, respectively. Fear of criticism (34.1%) and stigma (20.3%) were the main reasons for not seeking help among the participants. The maximum number of participants (41.5%) preferred to seek help immediately if they ever experienced anxiety. This study showed professional and informal sources were positively correlated with anxiety (rpi=0.3) at a P-value <0.05. Conclusion This study showed that students preferred to seek help from informal sources rather than professional sources. In addition, there is still stigma and fear among students regarding mental health. This study suggests that there is a need to have psychosocial intervention at colleges and educational institutions in order to promote professional help-seeking for any mental disorders including anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Aryal
- Department of Public Health, Om Health Campus, Purbanchal University, Nepal
| | - Manish Rajbanshi
- Central Department of Public Health, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
| | - Sushma Pokhrel
- Department of Public Health, Om Health Campus, Purbanchal University, Nepal
| | - Sushama Regmi
- Central Department of Psychology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
| | - Prajita Mali
- Kathmandu University- School of Medical Sciences, Nepal
| | - Swechhya Baskota
- Department of Public Health, Om Health Campus, Purbanchal University, Nepal
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El-Hachem SS, Lakkis NA, Osman MH, Issa HG, Beshara RY. University students' intentions to seek psychological counseling, attitudes toward seeking psychological help, and stigma. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1661-1674. [PMID: 37037916 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02470-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health problems are prevalent among university students worldwide. Studies have shown that most students do not disclose and do not get the psychological help and support they need. OBJECTIVES This survey aims to investigate the intentions to seek psychological counseling (ISC) among university students, their attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH), and the predictors of those intentions and attitudes including stigma. DESIGN AND METHODS a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 420 students at the American University of Beirut (AUB). RESULTS Depression, test anxiety, and difficulty sleeping are the three main reasons students would seek psychological help. The source the students most preferred to ask for help was one's family followed by psychologists and psychiatrists. Students' ATSPPH is a positive predictor of their ISC, while students' self-stigma of seeking help (SSOSH) is a negative predictor of their ATSPPH. Moreover, students' awareness of the psychological help system available on campus, free of charge, is a positive predictor for both ISC and ATSPPH. CONCLUSION Different interventions are needed to reduce stigma and enhance students' mental health literacy and awareness of the available professional psychological help on campus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saria S El-Hachem
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Najla A Lakkis
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Beirut, Lebanon.
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El Solh, PO Box 11-0236, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon.
| | - Mona H Osman
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hanane G Issa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ranin Y Beshara
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Beirut, Lebanon
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Shi W, Donovan EE, Quaack KR, Mackert M, Shaffer AL, De Luca DM, Nolan-Cody H, Yang J. A Reasoned Action Approach to Social Connection and Mental Health: Racial Group Differences and Similarities in Attitudes, Norms, and Intentions. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37733424 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2259690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
This study employed a Reasoned Action Approach to investigate two communication behaviors that were being built into a statewide behavioral health campaign: initiating a conversation about one's own mental health struggles, and starting a conversation to discuss someone else's mental health difficulties. We examined whether the extent of attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control regarding intent to perform these behaviors varied by racial identity. Using original survey data from Texans (N = 2,033), we conducted regression analyses for the two communication behaviors and found that intention to seek help was primarily explained by instrumental attitude, injunctive norm, descriptive norm, and perceived capacity; and intention to start a conversation to help someone else was primarily explained by instrumental attitude, injunctive norm, and perceived capacity. Additionally, we identified important common and distinct determinants of the two behaviors across different racial groups. Implications for health communication campaign message development and audience segmentation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Shi
- Center for Health Communication, Moody College of Communication & Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Erin E Donovan
- Center for Health Communication, Moody College of Communication & Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Communication Studies, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Karly R Quaack
- Department of Communication Studies, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Michael Mackert
- Center for Health Communication, Moody College of Communication & Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
- Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Audrey L Shaffer
- Department of Communication Studies, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Daniela M De Luca
- Department of Population Health, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Haley Nolan-Cody
- Department of Communication Studies, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Jiahua Yang
- Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations, Moody College of Communication, The University of Texas at Austin
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Dagani J, Buizza C, Ferrari C, Ghilardi A. The role of psychological distress, stigma and coping strategies on help-seeking intentions in a sample of Italian college students. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:177. [PMID: 37280661 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health issues are common among university students, but the latter are unlikely to seek professional help even when mental health services are available. Coping strategies, stigma and psychological distress are often considered as factors that can affect help-seeking intentions in university students. METHODS This study aimed to determine the role of coping strategies, stigma and psychological distress on the intentions to seek professional help for psychological problems. All students (N = 13,886) from an Italian medium-sized university were asked to participate in a multidimensional online survey and 3754 (27.1%) agreed to participate. A Structural Equation Modelling approach was applied to explore the simultaneous direct and indirect effects of distress, stigma and coping strategies on professional help-seeking intentions. RESULTS Results showed that students were not very likely to seek professional help and, through the Structural Equation Model, psychological distress was found to be positively correlated with coping strategies, which in turn was negatively associated with the stigma of seeking help. The latter was negatively associated with professional help-seeking intentions. These effects suggest that students with significant psychological distress use coping strategies to face the stigma of seeking help: the lower the stigma of seeking help, the higher the chance of developing intentions to seek professional help. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests the importance of implementing programs to encourage college students to seek help, including measures that foster a stigma-free environment, reduce psychological distress and promote the use of adaptive coping strategies. Interventions should be focused firstly on self-stigma and secondly on perceived stigma, taking into consideration the level of psychological distress and social stereotypes associated with mental disorders and help seeking behaviours. Programs about coping are also essential and should focus on promoting emotion-focused strategies and problem-focused strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dagani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Clarissa Ferrari
- Service of Statistics, IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni, 4, 25125, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa, 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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Barnett P, Saunders R, Buckman JEJ, Naqvi SA, Singh S, Stott J, Wheatley J, Pilling S. The association between trajectories of change in social functioning and psychological treatment outcome in university students: a growth mixture model analysis. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1-11. [PMID: 36876490 PMCID: PMC10600814 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723000363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition to university and resultant social support network disruption can be detrimental to the mental health of university students. As the need for mental health support is becoming increasingly prevalent in students, identification of factors associated with poorer outcomes is a priority. Changes in social functioning have a bi-directional relationship with mental health, however it is not clear how such measures may be related to effectiveness of psychological treatments. METHODS Growth mixture models were estimated on a sample of 5221 students treated in routine mental health services to identify different trajectories of change in self-rated impairment in social leisure activities and close relationships during the course of treatment. Multinomial regression explored associations between trajectory classes and treatment outcomes. RESULTS Five trajectory classes were identified for social leisure activity impairment while three classes were identified for close relationship impairment. In both measures most students remained mildly impaired. Other trajectories included severe impairment with limited improvement, severe impairment with delayed improvement, and, in social leisure activities only, rapid improvement, and deterioration. Trajectories of improvement were associated with positive treatment outcomes while trajectories of worsening or stable severe impairment were associated with negative treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Changes in social functioning impairment are associated with psychological treatment outcomes in students, suggesting that these changes may be associated with treatment effectiveness as well as recovery experiences. Future research should seek to establish whether a causal link exists to understand whether integrating social support within psychological treatment may bring additional benefit for students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Barnett
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Rob Saunders
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joshua E. J. Buckman
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- iCope – Camden & Islington Psychological Therapies Services, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Syed Ali Naqvi
- Barking & Dagenham and Havering IAPT services, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Satwant Singh
- Waltham Forest Talking Therapies – North East London Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joshua Stott
- Adapt Lab, Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jon Wheatley
- Talk Changes: City & Hackney IAPT Service, Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stephen Pilling
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
- National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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8
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Chen SS, Lam TP, Lam KF, Lo TL, Chao DVK, Mak KY, Lam EWW, Tang WS, Chan HY, Yip PSF. The Use of Close Friends on Instagram, Help-Seeking Willingness, and Suicidality Among Hong Kong Youth: Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e37695. [PMID: 36223182 PMCID: PMC9607886 DOI: 10.2196/37695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social networking sites (SNSs) have gained popularity in recent years for help seeking and self-distress expression among adolescents. Although online suicidal expression is believed to have major benefits, various concerns have also been raised, particularly around privacy issues. Understanding youths’ help-seeking behavior on SNSs is critical for effective suicide prevention; however, most research neglects the impacts of the private SNS context. Objective This study aims to examine youths’ private SNS use via the new Instagram feature, Close Friends, and its association with both online and offline help-seeking willingness as well as youths’ suicidality. Methods This study employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach with a combination of explorative qualitative interviews and a systematic quantitative survey, targeting youth aged 15-19 years in Hong Kong. The motivations for utilizing Close Friends and concerns regarding online expression were addressed in the focus group and individual interviews (n=40). A cross-sectional survey (n=1676) was conducted subsequently with eligible secondary school students to examine the prevalence of Close Friends usage, their online and offline help-seeking willingness, and suicide-related experiences. Results A total of 3 primary motives for using Close Friends were identified during interviews, including (1) interaction and help seeking, (2) release of negative emotions, and (3) ventilation and self-expression. Most participants also highlighted the privacy concerns associated with public online communication and the importance of contacting close friends for emotional support. Survey results showed that use of Close Friends was quite prevalent among adolescents (1163/1646, 70.66%), with around 46% (754/1646, 45.81%) of respondents being frequent users. Differences by gender and school academic banding were also revealed. Regarding help-seeking intentions, youths were generally positive about seeking help from peers and friends offline (1010/1266, 79.78%) yet negative about seeking assistance from online friends or professionals with whom they had not yet developed a real-world connection (173/1266, 13.67%). Most notably, frequencies of Close Friends usage were differentially associated with online and offline help-seeking willingness and youths’ suicidality. Compared with nonusers, those who had ever used the feature were more likely to seek offline support (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] 1.82-2.36), whereas heavy use of Close Friends was associated with increased odds of online help-seeking willingness (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.06-2.93) and a higher risk of suicidality (AOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.01-2.31). Conclusions The popularity of Close Friends reflects the increasing need for private online expression among youth. This study demonstrates the importance of Close Friends for self-expression and private conversation and inadequacy of peer support for suicidal adolescents. Further research is needed to identify the causal relationship between Close Friends usage and help-seeking willingness to guide the advancement of suicide prevention strategies. Researchers and social media platforms may cooperate to co-design a risk monitoring system tailored to the private SNS context, assisting professionals in identifying youth at risk of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikky Shiqi Chen
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tai Pong Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok Fai Lam
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tak Lam Lo
- Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Vai Kiong Chao
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, Hospital Authority Kowloon East Cluster, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ki Yan Mak
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Edmund Wing Wo Lam
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Sin Tang
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi Yan Chan
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul Siu Fai Yip
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhao M, Hu M. A multilevel model of the help-seeking behaviors among adolescents with mental health problems. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:946842. [PMID: 36118118 PMCID: PMC9478167 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.946842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Mental health problems are highly prevalent among adolescents yet the utilization of mental health services among such a population is very low. This study was conducted to examine mental health problems and related help-seeking behaviors among a Chinese sample of adolescents. Methods A total of 3,480 students were recruited from four middle- and high schools in Changsha City, Hunan province, and completed an online questionnaire that assessed their general information, mental health problems including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide ideation, as well as their help-seeking behaviors from both formal (including psychological teachers and mental health professionals) and informal sources (including family, friends, and teachers). Results The participants had a prevalence of 13.7% for depression, 11.5% for anxiety, 9.8% for self-harm, and 9.1% for suicide ideation. Although a high rate of help-seeking behaviors was observed (73.0%), most were concentrated in informal sources (99.3%), while only a small portion of participants resorted to formal sources (13.9%). Being female (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.15-1.83), higher grade (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01-1.73), school mental health resources not available (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.02-1.88), without suicide ideation (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.42-2.90) were all associated with increased likelihood of formal help-seeking behaviors. On the other hand, complete middle school (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.22-0.59), the middle level of academic ranking (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.97), and higher father education levels (OR: 0.54-0.56, 95% CI: 0.33-0.90) were all associated with a decreased likelihood of formal help-seeking behaviors. Conclusion Our results showed a higher prevalence of help-seeking behavior for emotional or psychological problems during the past year. Compared to the high rate of informal help-seeking behaviors, students showed a lower propensity to seek formal help for their mental health problems, which may be explained by individual-level, family-level, and school-level factors. Our findings provide important implications for the development and popularization of targeted, needs-based mental health promotion and education programs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhao
- School of Medicine, Hunan Polytechnic of Environment and Biology, Hengyang, China
| | - Mi Hu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Marsico KF, Wang C, Liu JL. Effectiveness of Youth Mental Health First Aid training for parents at school. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen F. Marsico
- Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
| | - Cixin Wang
- Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
| | - Jia Li Liu
- Asian American Studies Program University of Maryland College Park Maryland USA
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11
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Barrow E, Thomas G. Exploring perceived barriers and facilitators to mental health help-seeking in adolescents: a systematic literature review. EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY IN PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02667363.2022.2051441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barrow
- School of Environment, Education and Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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12
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Nasier B, Gibson K, Trnka S. “PM me” or “LOL”: Young peoples’ observations of supportive and unsympathetic responses to distress on social media. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.106933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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13
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Wang L, Liang L, Liu Z, Yuan K, Ju J, Bian Y. The Developmental Process of Peer Support Networks: The Role of Friendship. Front Psychol 2021; 12:615148. [PMID: 33584478 PMCID: PMC7875894 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.615148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the characteristics and development of peer support networks in an effort to unravel the role of friendship in this developmental process. The relationships between friendship networks and peer support networks were explored, and the influence of dyadic and triadic friendships on the development of peer support relationships was examined. Two waves of data were collected among a sample of adolescents in six Chinese junior high schools (n = 913 students from 28 classrooms; mean age = 14.13 years; 50.49% boys), and classroom friendship networks and peer support networks were analyzed. The results showed that peer support networks were sparse, hierarchical, and sex-segregated. Furthermore, peer support networks and friendship networks partially overlapped. Friends tended to have similar support-seeking and support-providing ties. Longitudinal multiplex social network analysis revealed that peer support networks changed moderately over time, and friendships played various roles in the development of peer support networks. Dyadic friendships improved the formation of peer support ties. A mutual friend improved the formation of support relationships between two students when the mutual friend chose the two students as friends, but a mutual friend also hindered or had no effects on the formation of support relationships in other cases. The implications for educators to improve peer support networks are presented, and directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lichan Liang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Child and Family Education Research Center, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Mental Health and Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengguang Liu
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Keman Yuan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawen Ju
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufang Bian
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Child and Family Education Research Center, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Mental Health and Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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14
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Shumet S, Azale T, Angaw DA, Tesfaw G, Wondie M, Getinet Alemu W, Amare T, Kassew T, Mesafint G. Help-Seeking Preferences to Informal and Formal Source of Care for Depression: A Community-Based Study in Northwest Ethiopia. Patient Prefer Adherence 2021; 15:1505-1513. [PMID: 34267506 PMCID: PMC8275152 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s311601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 350 million people are suffering from depression. Many people suffering from depression use different sources of help for their problems. People with different mental health problems seek help from formal and/or informal sources. This gives crucial information on community beliefs and perception regarding their preference for help. This study helps to guide effective planning and provision of mental health services, and health policy of the country to explore the community's preference to different sources of help. OBJECTIVE The aim was to contrast patterns of formal and informal help-seeking preferences for depression among residents of Aykel town, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS This cross-sectional population-based study included 832 participants. We used a major depressive disorder case vignette and general help-seeking questionnaire (GHSQ) to assess preference to seek help. Study participants were selected by multistage cluster sampling technique. An independent sample t-test and analysis of variance test (ANOVA) was performed. RESULTS A total of 656 subjects (78.8%) showed high propensity to intimate partner, and 655 (78.7%) of the study subjects had high propensity to mental health professional. The mean score of the residents' preference to seek help from informal sources was 3.41±0.60. The mean score of preference to seek help from formal sources was 3.18±0.75. A total of 276 (33.2%) subjects showed high propensity to both informal and formal sources of help. The results also showed there was a mean score difference in preference for informal help between subjects with strong social support and low and moderate social support (P<0.001). CONCLUSION The result suggests that the majority of the residents had a higher preference to seek help from informal sources than formal sources of care. Providing and strengthening both formal and informal sources of help in conjunction are crucial to get a more qualified and effective care for depressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shegaye Shumet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Telake Azale
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dessie Abebaw Angaw
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Tesfaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Messele Wondie
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Tadele Amare
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tilahun Kassew
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Gebremeskel Mesafint
- Mizan-Tapi University, College of Health Science, Department of Nursing, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Gebremeskel Mesafint Mizan-Tapi University, College of Health Science, Department of Nursing, Mizan Aman, EthiopiaTel +251918209867 Email
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15
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Goh K. A qualitative study of the attitudes that most affect the decision of a Singaporean whether to seek counselling or not. ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21507686.2020.1808800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khim Goh
- Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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16
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Lannin DG, Barrowclough M, Vogel DL. An examination of help-seeking preferences via best-worst scaling. J Clin Psychol 2020; 76:1677-1695. [PMID: 32077504 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study utilized best-worst scaling and latent class analysis to assess mental health treatment preferences and identify subgroups of college student help seekers. METHOD College students (N = 504; age: M = 20.3, 79.2% female) completed assessments of mental health treatment preferences, self-stigma, and distress. RESULTS Students preferred utilizing friends and family, followed by professional mental health providers, self-help, keeping concerns to themselves, physicians, and lastly religious leaders. Latent class analyses identified four classes of respondents. CONCLUSIONS Subgroups of student help seekers include Formal Help Seekers who prefer professional mental health providers, Informal Help Seekers who prefer friends and family, Ambivalent Help Seekers who prefer family and friends but also keeping concerns to themselves, and Help Avoiders who prefer keeping concerns to themselves. Assessing treatment preferences among different student subgroups may constitute an initial step in identifying effective ways to address university-wide mental health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Lannin
- Department of Psychology, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
| | | | - David L Vogel
- Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
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17
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Internationalization and Its Discontents: Help-Seeking Behaviors of Students in a Multicultural Environment Regarding Acculturative Stress and Depression. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11071865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stress and depression can be seen as the major obstacles for sustained education and attainment of foreign students, and in turn, the sustainability of an education system as a whole. However, the mainstream consideration following Berry’s model on acculturation does not take into account whether students of the host countries are immune to these problems. This study aims to examine the prevalence and predictors of help-seeking behaviors among international and domestic students in a multicultural environment by employing ANOVA and polynomial regression. Some significant results from this study are: (1) Informal sources were the most prevalent sources of help-seeking among international and domestic students, while formal help-seeking was not popular; (2) international students were more likely to overcome emotional difficulties alone and seek help on the Internet than domestic students; (3) acculturative stress was a positive predictor of formal, informal, and miscellaneous help-seeking behaviors among international students and informal help-seeking behaviors or among domestic students; and (4) depression was negatively correlated with the willingness of international students to seek help from informal sources. The findings hint at the risk of acculturative stress faced by domestic students in a multicultural environment being overlooked and the lack of help-seeking sources for international students. The study also provides empirical evidence for policy-planners to design a sustainable education system better at supporting students dealing with depression and acculturative stress.
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18
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Factors Affecting the Referral Rate of the Hoarding Disorder at Primary Mental Health Care in Quebec. Community Ment Health J 2018; 54:773-781. [PMID: 29353402 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-018-0234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hoarding disorder (HD) places an important burden on people with HD, on their family members and society. In this paper we evaluate help-seeking in HD at primary mental health, measured in referral rate, together with its individual, environmental and structural correlates. We conducted an aggregate study by combining existing official data with our own survey data at the catchment area level. We found a mean annual referral rate of 1.58 (SD = 1.79) cases of HD in primary mental health facilities per 10,000 of adult population. The referrals rate correlated with socio-demographic characteristics of the catchment area, the availability of tools for clinical management of HD, and affiliation to a University Medical school. We also found that: (1) family members, neighbours, municipal workers and health professionals are the primary source of complaints for HD; (2) 72% of primary mental health facilities worked with HD in crisis situations, 52% expressed difficulties in obtaining the consent of people with HD for an intervention (3) health/social services professionals lack HD clinical management tools, training and formal collaboration with municipal (housing, building security, fire prevention) specialists. Improvement of the readiness of the health-system to deal with HD will improve help-seeking for formal medical counselling on the part of people with HD. We can improve this readiness by providing primary mental-health facilities with training, clinical management tools and by helping them to establish formal collaboration with municipalities and community organisations. University medical schools can take a leadership role and become centers catalysing the change in HD clinical management.
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19
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Almutairi AF, Salam M, Alanazi S, Alweldawi M, Alsomali N, Alotaibi N. Impact of help-seeking behavior and partner support on postpartum depression among Saudi women. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2017; 13:1929-1936. [PMID: 28790828 PMCID: PMC5530055 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s135680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have discovered a number of factors that can contribute to the risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD), including, but not limited to, life stressors, lack of social support, low economic status, and quality of the marital relationship. However, these studies were conducted in various countries with participants from different cultural backgrounds. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the impact of general help-seeking behavior (GHSB) and partner support (PS) on PPD among Saudi women in primary health care clinics in Riyadh city. METHODS Data were collected by using self-administered measures of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ), and Partner Support Scale (PSS). Frequency distribution was used to analyze the categorical data, and Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance were employed to compare the numerical data. Linear regression analysis was used to control for all confounders. RESULTS The findings showed that 9% and 28% of women had good and poor GHSB, respectively, 16% had poor PS, and 25.7% could be classified as probably depressed. Negative relationships between GHSB versus PPD and PS versus PPD were observed. Adjusting by mode of delivery and controlling for confounders in linear regression showed that women who underwent normal vaginal delivery, with higher para rates (β=0.250, t=2.063) and lower PS scores (β=-0.238, t=-2.038), were more likely to suffer higher depression scores (adj P=0.043 and adj P=0.045, respectively). Women who underwent cesarean-section, with postpartum duration ≥6 weeks (β=0.374, t=2.082), were more likely to suffer higher depression scores (adj P=0.045) compared to those with <6 weeks of postpartum duration. CONCLUSION The prevalence of PPD among the study participants was high, especially among higher para women who underwent normal delivery and women ≥6 weeks post cesarean-section, in comparison with the results in other studies. PPD is reduced by enhancing women's GHSB and PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel F Almutairi
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences
- Science and Technology Unit, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud Salam
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences
- Science and Technology Unit, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Meppelder M, Hodes M, Kef S, Schuengel C. Parents with intellectual disabilities seeking professional parenting support: the role of working alliance, stress and informal support. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2014; 38:1478-1486. [PMID: 24856130 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Delaying or refraining from seeking advice and support in difficult parenting situations is identified as an important risk factor for child abuse and neglect. This study tested whether the extent of delays in support seeking is associated with working alliance for parents with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) and whether the importance of working alliance may depend on parenting stress and availability of informal support. Delays in support seeking were measured as parental latency (time waited) to approach the support worker. This latency was assessed in the intended response to hypothetical situations (vignettes) and in the reported behavioral response to real life difficult parenting situations from the preceding weeks. Multiple regression analyses were conducted for testing main and interaction effects of predictors on latency for support seeking. Better quality of the working alliance was associated with shorter intended latency to seek support for parents with MID, if parents had little access to informal support. Higher parenting stress predicted a shorter latency for intended support seeking. Parental support seeking intentions were positively associated with support seeking behavior. A good quality of the working alliance might be important to connect needs of parents with MID to resources that professional support can offer, in particular for the most vulnerable parents. Parental reluctance to seek professional support may be the result of a combination of risk and protective factors and is not always a sign of poor working alliance. Implications for risk assessment and support practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Meppelder
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies and the EMGO(+) Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marja Hodes
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies and the EMGO(+) Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sabina Kef
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies and the EMGO(+) Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Schuengel
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies and the EMGO(+) Institute for Health and Care Research, Faculty of Psychology and Education, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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