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The final chain mediation model Note:*p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001. Controlling for age, gender, and education
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Background
Mental health literacy is considered an important factor in promoting professional psychological help-seeking attitudes. However, it is important to clarify the emotional and behavioral factors that underlie this association. Drawing from the ABC model of attitudes and the Health Disclosure Decision-Making Model, this study aimed to exam...
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Equestrian media has highlighted an interest in the impact of mental health on performance and help-seeking behaviours. Due to the dearth of research into equestrian sports, this study aimed to understand rider mental health in equestrian sport and identify the barriers and facilitators to help-seeking among equestrian athletes. Seven equestrian at...
Citations
... This is contrary to previous findings, which have shown a positive association between MHL with help-seeking stigma and disclosing distress among youth. (Yang et al., 2023) Intervention programs with young people have also demonstrated a positive association between improved MHL and reduced stigma. (Lindow et al., 2020;Simmons et al., 2017) The studies also highlight the relationship between engagement and school climate with higher literacy and lower stigma. ...
... Mental illness refers to all diagnosable mental health disorders [5] involving depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other anxiety and mood disorders [6]. A survey of students reported that 43.2% of them sufered from symptoms of depression, 40.0% from anxiety, 24.7% from adjustment problems, and 12.2% from relationship crises. ...
... Te results of this study revealed a direct relationship between MHL and appropriate help-seeking behavior among [39][40][41]. Enhancing MHL allows individuals to acquire a deeper comprehension of mental health professionals and the norms established in the feld of mental health services. ...
Objectives: Enhancing mental health literacy (MHL) through school-based education intervention may encourage mental health promotion, prevention, and care and reduce stigma in adolescents. Over the last few decades, this has been a major area of interest for researchers and health planners. This study aims to explore the relationship between knowledge and attitude to mental disorders with students’ MHL.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 in Sirjan. The statistical population included all the students of the first secondary schools selected through a multistage cluster random sampling method. The study ultimately involved 562 male and female students. Data were gathered through a MHL questionnaire, Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire (MHKQ), and Attitudes to Mental Illness Questionnaire (AMIQ) along with a demographic information checklist. SPSS and AMOS Version 26 software were used in the statistical analysis.
Results: The findings showed that mental health knowledge has a direct (0.15) and indirect (0.36) effect on MHL (p>0.001). MHL has a direct and significant effect on knowledge of risk factors and causes (0.28), knowledge of self-treatment (0.15), knowledge of professional help available (0.33), and knowledge of where to seek information (0.61). Moreover, MHL had a direct and inverse effect on appropriate help-seeking behavior (−0.98).
Conclusion: This study found that individuals with greater MHL exhibit more appropriate behavior and knowledge regarding mental illness or disorders. Thus, it is recommended that mental health be emphasized in educational programs to help students tackle the daily challenges of adolescence.
... When individuals have a high level of MHL, their own reserves of mental health-related knowledge and skills can help them cope with challenges more positively. 42 Meanwhile, people with high levels of MHL are more inclined to adopt mental health services, which is associated with managing psychological distress. 17 Therefore, individuals with higher levels ...
Objective
To investigate the associations between mental health literacy (MHL), self-disclosure and psychological distress among HIV-positive young and middle-aged men who have sex with men (MSM). We hypothesised that self-disclosure would mediate the relationship between MHL and psychological distress.
Design
A cross-sectional study.
Setting
Participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Infection at a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China.
Participants
A total of 209 HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM.
Outcome measures
Using convenient sampling method, the study selected 209 HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM from a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, China, from November 2023 to January 2024. The data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Multicomponent Mental Health Literacy, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and the Distress Disclosure Index. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and mediation analysis were conducted in the study.
Results
The mean MHL score among HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM was 11.90 (SD=5.09). Their mean score for self-disclosure was 31.97 (SD=6.87) and for psychological distress was 25.43 (SD=8.16). The bivariate correlation analysis showed that self-disclosure was positively correlated with MHL (r=0.264, p<0.001) and negatively correlated with psychological distress (r=−0.496, p<0.001), and MHL was negatively correlated with psychological distress (r=−0.308, p<0.001). Self-disclosure partially mediated the relationship between MHL and psychological distress among HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM, and the mediating effect accounted for 38.31% of the total effect.
Conclusion
Self-disclosure mediated the relationship between MHL and psychological distress. To improve psychological distress among HIV-positive young and middle-aged MSM, targeted intervention measures aimed at enhancing MHL and self-disclosure should be conducted.
... 27 The Chinese version of the scale has been widely applied among older adults, adults, and various patient populations. 30,67,68 Item example: "When I feel upset, I usually confide in my friends." The scale consists of 12 items, which are scored on a 5-level scale, with some items being scored backwards. ...
Objective
Loneliness and psychological distress are serious challenges for older adults to cope with and factors threatening life quality and happiness during their remaining years. Older people’s attitudes and evaluations towards loneliness potentially affect psychological distress. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the relationship between the stigma of loneliness and the psychological distress of older adults, further exploring the mediating effect of distress disclosure and loneliness.
Methods
Conducted during February and March 2024, the questionnaire survey included 933 older adults (age 65–89) using the Stigma of Loneliness Scale (SLS), Distress Disclosure Index (DDI), UCLA Loneliness scale (ULS-6), and 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). The obtained data were for descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and chain mediation model testing.
Results
Stigma of loneliness was significantly positively correlated with loneliness and psychological distress (r=0.61–0.69, p<0.01), and distress disclosure was negatively correlated with stigma of loneliness, loneliness, and psychological distress (r=−0.37–−0.48, p<0.01). Stigma of loneliness can not only directly affect the psychological distress of older adults (effect value=0.38), but also indirectly affect psychological distress through the mediating roles of distress disclosure (effect value=0.04) and loneliness (effect value=0.20), and the chain mediating effect of the two (effect value=0.05).
Conclusion
The study redounds to the in-depth understanding of the effect of the stigma of loneliness on psychological distress among older people and its internal mechanism. The research results contribute to theoretical reference in explaining the formation background of psychological distress among older cohorts, which intends to provide empirical evidence for intervention studies of reducing psychological distress.
... Таким образом, анализ результатов международных исследований особенностей личностного реагирования на заболевание и распространенности тревожнодепрессивных симптомов у онкопациентов в период пандемии COVID-19 показал наличие общих тенденций: усиление аффективной симптоматики, наиболее выраженное в группе людей, имеющих в анамнезе психопатологические симптомы и доминирующие дезадаптивные установки. Частота обращений онкопациентов за психологической помощью в разных странах отличается и предположительно связана с общей осведомленностью людей о психологической поддержке: низкая у респондентов из Китая (Yang et al., 2023), высокая -у респондентов из Германии, Италии (Molinari et al., 2012;Sampogna et al., 2021), США (O'Hea et al., 2020), а также -со включенностью психологических услуг в медицинскую страховку (многие пациенты, нуждающиеся в психологической помощи, не могут ее себе позволить по финансовым причинам). ...
Введение. Онкопациенты в условиях пандемии испытали дополнительный дистресс. На их психоэмоциональное состояние оказали влияние такие факторы, как угроза заражения COVID-19, задержка лечения, откладывание плановых операций, ухудшение состояния на фоне коморбидной патологии и химиотерапии. В связи с сохраняющейся угрозой появления новых штаммов коронавирусной инфекции исследование психологических особенностей пациентов с моно- и коморбидной онкопатологией не теряет актуальности. Целью данного исследования явилось изучение личностных черт, ценностно-смысловых ориентаций и других психологических особенностей, отражающих психологическую адаптацию к длительному дистрессу, в группах онкопациентов, перенесших и не перенесших коронавирусную инфекцию. Методы. Исследование проводилось на базе ФГБУ «НМИЦ онкологии им. Н.Н. Блохина» Минздрава России (г. Ростов-на-Дону) в период с весны 2021 года по осень 2023 года; в нем приняли участие 112 онкопациентов в возрасте от 18 до 62 лет (средний возраст – 42 года, из них 64% – женщины, 36% – мужчины), 48% из их числа перенесли COVID-19. Были использованы следующие психодиагностические методики: SCL-90-R, копинг-тест Лазаруса, 5PFQ, тест смысложизненных ориентаций Д.А. Леонтьева, методика «Ценностные ориентации» М. Рокича, шкала ВОЗКЖ-100. Для статистической обработки полученных результатов применялись однофакторный дисперсионный анализ ANOVA и постхок анализ Тьюки. Результаты. Факт перенесённого заболевания COVID-19 связан с изменением иерархии ценностей, выраженности волевых качеств и гибкости в решении жизненных трудностей: в группе онкопациентов, перенесших COVID-19, достоверно более выражены ценности «любовь», «развитие», «широта взглядов», «чуткость»; в личностной сфере выражены полюса безответственности и практичности. Обсуждение результатов. Полученные результаты дополняют существующие данные об особенностях ценностно-смысловой и личностной сферы онкопациентов с коморбидной патологией. Заключение. Проведенное теоретическое и эмпирическое исследование может быть полезно психологам, медицинским и социальным работникам, оказывающим помощь онкопациентам и их семьям.
... Researchers have, however, argued that a significant total effect of X on Y (interpersonal resources on BI-PHSIMH in the present study) is not necessary for mediation to occur [87]. In literature, many mediation studies involved relatively mild total effect [88][89][90]; mediation analysis has been conducted when the association between the independent variable and the dependent variable was mild or even non-significant [88,91]. Mediation analysis can provide a deeper and more nuanced understanding, revealing the more complex mechanisms and pathways between two variables. ...
Background
Globally, adolescent depression is prevalent. There is, however, a dearth of studies investigating behavioral intention to professional help-seeking regarding mental health problems among adolescents having probable depression. Based on the Stress Coping Theory, the hypothesis that personal resources and active coping would mediate between interpersonal resources and behavioral intention to professional help-seeking was investigated.
Methods
Students from five junior middle schools, three senior high schools, and one vocational school were selected to participate in the survey from February to March 2022 via convenient sampling. The questionnaire collected participants’ characteristics, depression, peer acceptance/support, resilience, self-compassion, active coping, and behavioral intention to professional help-seeking. The final sample included 1,425 Chinese adolescents having probable depression (Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥ 10). SPSS 23.0 and Mplus 8.3 were employed to analyze the data.
Results
The prevalence of behavioral intention to professional help-seeking was 15.4%. Adjusted for background factors, peer acceptance, resilience, self-compassion, and active coping were significantly associated with behavioral intention to professional help-seeking (ORa ranged from 1.05 to 1.31). The indirect effects via active coping (β = 0.020) and a serial indirect effect via personal resources and active coping (β = 0.029) were statistically significant. The direct effect from interpersonal resources to behavioral intention to professional help-seeking was non-significant.
Conclusion
The prevalence of behavioral intention to professional help-seeking among adolescents with probable depression was low and might render early detection/intervention ineffective. It is important to increase the intention to seek help from professionals. One possibility is to enhance interpersonal/personal resources and active coping.
... Major: Previous studies [26][27][28] found that the scores of seeking professional psychological help for students majoring in Arts and Cultural Arts were higher than those of students majoring in other areas. The results of the present study also found that major was an influencing factor in seeking professional psychological help. ...
Objective: To analyze the relationship between attitudes toward mental illness and atti-tudes toward seeking professional help among college students. Methods: From January to April 2023, a cluster sampling method was used to select classes of a university in Tianjin as groups, and a simple random sampling method was used to select all college students from 3 of the 7 classes as research objects. The general information questionnaire, the Mental Illness Attitude Questionnaire, and the Attitude Towards Professional Psychological Help Seeking Scale-Short Version were used to con-duct the survey. We explored the correlation between the scores of the Mental Illness Attitude Questionnaire and the Attitude Towards Professional Psychological Help Seeking Scale-Short Version, and analyzed the influencing factors of college students’ attitude toward seeking professional psychological help. Results: The Mental Illness Attitude Questionnaire scores of college students were posi-tively correlated with the Attitude Towards Professional Psychological Help Seeking Scale-Short Version scores (r = 0.658, P = .001). In the final univariate analysis, it was found that sex, major, psychological distress, and attitude toward mental illness to be the factors influencing college students’ attitude toward seeking professional psychological help. Conclusion: College students’ attitude toward mental illness directly affects their attitude toward seeking professional help, and sex, major, and psychological distress also influence attitude toward seeking professional help.
... For instance, a study has revealed a significant positive correlation between MHL and help-seeking intention (HSI) in Korea college students (r = 0.27) (Kim et al., 2020). Another study (Yang et al., 2023) has demonstrated that a significant negative correlation between MHL and stigma in Chinese adults (r = −0.102). Yang et al. (2023) further explored the indirect effect from MHL → stigma →help-seeking attitudes was (β = 0.012, 95%CI [0.019, 0.125]). ...
... Another study (Yang et al., 2023) has demonstrated that a significant negative correlation between MHL and stigma in Chinese adults (r = −0.102). Yang et al. (2023) further explored the indirect effect from MHL → stigma →help-seeking attitudes was (β = 0.012, 95%CI [0.019, 0.125]). Additionally, bivariate correlation analysis has demonstrated that MHL was positively associated with social support in American employees (r = 0.19) (Jung et al., 2017). ...
Objectives: Considering the importance of mental health help-seeking, researchers have closely examined the relationship between mental health literacy (MHL) and help-seeking intention (HSI). Furthermore, the high impact of stigma and the potential value of social support on HSI have been recognised. However, the relationship between these variables has not been fully tested within the context of Chinese elite athletes. This study addressed this gap by examining the relationship between MHL and HSI. Furthermore, it explored the mediating effects of public stigma, self-stigma, and social support on the relationship between MHL and HSI among Chinese elite athletes. Methods: 450 Chinese elite athletes (M age = 18.12, SD = 3.20, 46.2% female) self-reported their MHL, public stigma, self-stigma, social support, and HSI. Mediation analysis was conducted using the bootstrap approach of the PROCESS macro version 3.3 of SPSS 25. Results: The results showed a significant positive correlation between MHL and HSI (r = 0.348). The results also demonstrated that MHL was a predictor of HSI (β = 0.337, 95%CI [0.249, 0.425], p < 0.001). Furthermore, 1) the indirect effect of MHL → public stigma→HSI was 0.024 and a 95%CI [0.003, 0.053]. Specifically, MHL predicted public stigma (Estimate = −0.151, 95%CI [−0.187, −0.045], p < 0.001), and public stigma predicted HSI (Estimate = −0.161, 95%CI [− 0.549, −0.164], p < 0.001); 2) the indirect effect of MHL → self-stigma→ HSI was 0.016 and 95%CI [0.002, 0.038]. Specifically, MHL predicted self-stigma (Estimate = −0.137, 95%CI [−0.069, −0.013], p < 0.01), and self-stigma predicted HSI (Estimate = −0.120, 95%CI [−1.181, −0.186], p < 0.01); as well as 3) the indirect effect of MHL → social support→HSI was 0.029 and a 95%CI [0.009, 0.055]. Specifically, MHL predicted social support (Estimate = 0.208, 95%CI [0.018, 0.047], p < 0.001), and social support predicted HSI (Estimate = 0.141, 95%CI [0.578, 2.442], p < 0.01). Additionally, the direct effects from MHL to HSI is (β = 0.452, 95%CI [0.304, 0.600], p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings provide empirical support for the roles of public stigma, self-stigma, and social support as mechanisms of behavioural change in MHL interventions. These factors increase HSI among elite athletes. Future studies should further test these mediating effects using experimental designs.
Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health issues globally, yet many individuals in low- and middle-income countries lack access to treatment. Limited research exists on mental health service utilization in these regions. Understanding the factors that impact access to care and treatment pathways can enhance mental health services. This study investigates the factors that support the initiation and continuation of treatment for depression or anxiety in Nepal. Methods: The study was conducted in Jhapa, Chitwan, and Kailali districts in Nepal, representing the eastern, central, and far-western regions. The participants were adults receiving treatment for depression or anxiety from a range of healthcare providers. A total of 24 participants were purposively recruited, including 13 with symptoms of depression, 9 with symptoms of anxiety, and 2 with both conditions. We utilized the McGill Illness Narrative Interview, a semi-structured protocol commonly used in mental health research, to gather detailed narratives on symptom experiences, illness accounts, and help-seeking behaviors. Data analysis was performed using a framework and thematic analysis approach with NVIVO software. Results: Treatment pathways for depression and anxiety in Nepal were found to be complex, involving multiple service providers and recurrent treatment from the same providers. Out of a total of 137 sessions across 24 patients, the majority of sessions were with traditional faith healers (27.7%), followed by private hospitals (19.7%), primary healthcare facilities (16.1%), government hospitals (13.1%), neighboring countries (8.0%), and private clinics (11.7%). Traditional healers were the most popular places for initial visits, followed by private clinics and government hospitals. Factors such as service quality, providers behavior, availability of trained providers, appointment process, confidentiality, and types of services offered influenced care-seeking decisions. Support from family or friends, awareness of mental health issues, and recommendations from trusted individuals also played a significant role. Conclusion: Treatment pathways for depression and anxiety disorders are complex, often involving multiple sessions with different service providers and a combination of services. Improving healthcare providers' behavior, appointment scheduling, and consultation quality is essential to encourage individuals to seek care. Raising awareness about mental health conditions and available services through various channels as well as training traditional healers in mental health could enhance access to care.
Background
Research highlights poor mental health among healthcare workers, but limited attention has been given to the mental health literacy and professional psychological help-seeking attitudes of primary healthcare workers.This study investigates the relationship between primary healthcare workers’ mental health literacy and their attitudes toward professional psychological help-seeking. It also explores the chain mediating roles of social support and mental illness stigma in this relationship.
Methods
We conducted the study among primary healthcare workers in Shapingba District, Chongqing, China. The study utilized demographic questionnaires, the Multiple Mental Health Literacy Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Perceived Devaluation-Discrimination Scale, and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale. We applied Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling (SEM) for data analysis.
Results
Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between mental health literacy and help-seeking attitudes, while stigma negatively impacted these attitudes. The regression analysis demonstrated that mental health literacy, social support, and mental illness stigma significantly influenced attitudes toward professional psychological help-seeking, with the adjusted R square being 0.402. Specifically, social support and stigma acted as partial mediators in the relationship between mental health literacy and help-seeking attitudes. SEM confirmed a significant chain mediation effect, with social support and stigma jointly mediating the link between mental health literacy and help-seeking attitudes, explaining 27.46% of the variance.
Conclusion
This study underscores the critical role of mental health literacy, social support, and mental illness stigma in shaping primary healthcare workers’ attitudes toward professional psychological help-seeking. Strengthening these factors can enhance their mental health outcomes and encourage more proactive help-seeking behavior. Implementing targeted interventions in training programs to reduce stigma and promote social support could improve help-seeking behaviors and overall mental health within healthcare settings.
