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Can Destigmatizing Mental Health Increase Willingness to Seek Help? Experimental Evidence from Nepal

Author

Listed:
  • Lacey, Lindsey

    (Allegheny County Department of Human Services)

  • Mishra, Nirajana

    (Northeastern University)

  • Mukherjee, Priya

    (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

  • Prakash, Nikhilesh

    (Stockholm School of Economics)

  • Prakash, Nishith

    (Northeastern University)

  • Quinn, Diane

    (University of Connecticut)

  • Sabarwal, Shwetlena

    (World Bank)

  • Saraswat, Deepak

    (University of Connecticut)

Abstract

We conducted a randomized control trial to study the impact of two information messages aimed at reducing the stigma associated with mental illness on the willingness to seek mental healthcare among adults in Nepal. The first intervention shares information about the prevalence of mental health issues and the efficacy of treatment. The second intervention shares information about the mental health struggles of a Nepali celebrity and how he benefited from treatment. We find three results. First, compared to a no-information control group, both interventions increase participants' stated willingness to seek mental health treatment. This effect is driven by participants with high personal and anticipated stigma, less severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, and who hold strong beliefs about conformity to masculinity. Second, the impact on participants' stated willingness to seek mental health treatment mirrors their willingness to pay for counseling. Third, participants are, on average, more likely to report willingness to seek help when the enumerator is female.

Suggested Citation

  • Lacey, Lindsey & Mishra, Nirajana & Mukherjee, Priya & Prakash, Nikhilesh & Prakash, Nishith & Quinn, Diane & Sabarwal, Shwetlena & Saraswat, Deepak, 2024. "Can Destigmatizing Mental Health Increase Willingness to Seek Help? Experimental Evidence from Nepal," IZA Discussion Papers 17166, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17166
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    mental health; stigma; prejudice; seeking help; celebrity; Nepal;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development

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