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Parental Support, Beliefs about Mental Illness, and Mental Help-Seeking among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia

Author

Listed:
  • Alaa Mahsoon

    (Nursing Public Health, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Loujain Sharif

    (Nursing Mental Health, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Maram Banakhar

    (Nursing Public Health, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Nofaa Alasmee

    (Nursing Mental Health, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Esraa Almowallad

    (Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Razan Jabali

    (Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Amjad Bahamil

    (Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia)

  • Sara Assur

    (Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Mental illness is not uncommon among young adults, but negative attitudes towards mental disorders and lack of parental support might be associated with hesitancy in seeking professional help. This study aimed to examine the relationships of parental support, beliefs about mental illness, and mental help-seeking among young adults in Saudi Arabia. This quantitative cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 236 young adults (ages 18–25) with the majority of the total (86.4%) being female. Data were collected via three self-administered questionnaires: The Perceived Parental Support Scale, Beliefs toward Mental Illness scale, and Mental Help Seeking Attitude Scale. Results indicated that the participants had a moderately negative attitude toward mental illness, a moderately positive attitude toward parental support, and a highly positive attitude toward mental help-seeking. No significant relationships were found among the study variables. The study highlights that despite young adults’ positive attitude toward mental help-seeking and parental support, they have negative views toward people with mental illnesses. Educational programs in schools and media are needed to improve attitudes and enhance readiness to interact with people with mental illness.

Suggested Citation

  • Alaa Mahsoon & Loujain Sharif & Maram Banakhar & Nofaa Alasmee & Esraa Almowallad & Razan Jabali & Amjad Bahamil & Sara Assur, 2020. "Parental Support, Beliefs about Mental Illness, and Mental Help-Seeking among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:15:p:5615-:d:394388
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Jenny Paananen & Camilla Lindholm & Melisa Stevanovic & Elina Weiste, 2020. "Tensions and Paradoxes of Stigma: Discussing Stigma in Mental Health Rehabilitation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-18, August.
    2. Chung-Ying Lin & Hector W. H. Tsang, 2020. "Stigma, Health and Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-12, October.
    3. Robena Noorwali & Sarah Almotairy & Raneem Akhder & Ghadi Mahmoud & Loujain Sharif & Nofaa Alasmee & Alaa Mahsoon & Duaa Hafez, 2022. "Barriers and Facilitators to Mental Health Help-Seeking among Young Adults in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-11, March.
    4. Miira Niska & Melisa Stevanovic & Elina Weiste & Tommi Ostrovskij & Taina Valkeapää & Camilla Lindholm, 2021. "Self-Disclosure and Non-Communication: Stigma Management in Third-Sector Transitional Employment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-14, November.

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