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Social-psychological factors affecting help-seeking for emotional problems

Author

Listed:
  • Rickwood, D. J.
  • Braithwaite, V. A.

Abstract

Predictors of the attitudinal measure of orientation toward help-seeking for emotional problems have been shown to include demographic, network, and personality variables. This research determined whether these same variables predict the behavioral outcome measure of help-seeking, both in general and from professional services in particular. Help-seeking in response to emotional problems was studied in a sample of Australian adolescents. General help-seeking was predicted by more symptoms of psychological distress, being female, availability of social support, knowing someone who had sought professional help, and the personality characteristics of high private self-consciousness and willingness to disclose mental health. When only those with evident emotional distress were considered, only gender and willingness to disclose remained significant predictors. These same variables did not account for those who sought professional help rather than relying upon their informal network. Level of psychological distress was the only significant predictor of professional consultation. Psychological symptoms and gender were shown to be more relevant predictors of the behavioral measure of help-seeking than network or personality characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Rickwood, D. J. & Braithwaite, V. A., 1994. "Social-psychological factors affecting help-seeking for emotional problems," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 39(4), pages 563-572, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:39:y:1994:i:4:p:563-572
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ilyas Sagar-Ouriaghli & Emma Godfrey & Selina Graham & June S. L. Brown, 2020. "Improving Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviours for Male Students: A Framework for Developing a Complex Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-34, July.
    2. Amelia Gulliver & Taliah Wysoke & Alison L. Calear & Louise M. Farrer, 2022. "Factors Associated with Engagement in University Life, and Help Seeking Attitudes and Behaviour in First Year Undergraduate Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Dong, Gang Nathan, 2016. "Social capital as correlate, antecedent, and consequence of health service demand in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 85-96.
    4. Kam Weng Boey, 1999. "Help-Seeking Preference of College Students in Urban China After the Implementation of the "Open-Door" Policy," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 45(2), pages 104-116, June.
    5. Siobhan Jones & Alex Hassett & Irene Sclare, 2017. "Experiences of Engaging With Mental Health Services in 16- to 18-Year-Olds: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(3), pages 21582440177, July.
    6. Subin Park & Mina Jeon & Yeeun Lee & Young-Mi Ko & Chul Eung Kim, 2018. "Influencing factors of attitudes toward seeking professional help for mental illness among Korean adults," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 64(3), pages 286-292, May.
    7. Siobhan M. Ryan & John W. Toumbourou & Anthony F. Jorm, 2014. "Factors Associated With Service Use for Young Adolescents With Mental Health Problems," SAGE Open, , vol. 4(4), pages 21582440145, November.
    8. Johnson, Emily & Menna, Rosanne, 2017. "Help seeking among adolescents in foster care: A qualitative study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 92-99.
    9. Kaim, Zeev & Romi, Shlomo, 2015. "Adolescents at risk and their willingness to seek help from youth care workers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 17-23.
    10. Tak, Hyo Jung & Hougham, Gavin W. & Ruhnke, Atsuko & Ruhnke, Gregory W., 2014. "The effect of in-office waiting time on physician visit frequency among working-age adults," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 43-51.

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    Keywords

    help-seeking emotional problems;

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