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Examining Predictors of Help Giving Toward People With a Mental Illness

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  • Alyssia Rossetto
  • Anthony F. Jorm
  • Nicola J. Reavley

Abstract

Little is known about factors influencing helping behaviors toward a person with mental illness. This study explored a range of predictors of helping intentions and behaviors using data from a national survey of Australian adults. Participants ( n = 6,019) were randomly assigned one of six vignettes and asked how they would help the character if it was someone they knew and cared about, and asked whether and how they had helped a person in real life with a similar problem. Responses were scored using a system based on the Mental Health First Aid action plan. Regression analyses examined predictors of high helping scores in relation to type of disorder and respondent demographics, mental health literacy, and experiences with mental illness. Predictors of harmful responses and seeking advice on how to help appropriately were also assessed. Significant predictors varied by vignette, with the only consistent predictor being female gender. Participants aged under 30 provided less helpful responses to people with social phobia. Mental health literacy variables were inconsistently related to helping, whereas more stigmatizing attitudes significantly predicted harmful responses and poor helping scores. Targeting males and young people may improve rates of helpful responses. Education campaigns aiming to reduce stigma and increase knowledge of schizophrenia may also minimize potentially harmful actions.

Suggested Citation

  • Alyssia Rossetto & Anthony F. Jorm & Nicola J. Reavley, 2014. "Examining Predictors of Help Giving Toward People With a Mental Illness," SAGE Open, , vol. 4(2), pages 21582440145, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:4:y:2014:i:2:p:2158244014537502
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244014537502
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Link, B.G. & Phelan, J.C. & Bresnahan, M. & Stueve, A. & Pescosolido, B.A., 1999. "Public conceptions of mental illness: Labels, causes, dangerousness, and social distance," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 89(9), pages 1328-1333.
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