SELF-CONCEALMENT, DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS, AND SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP: EVIDENCE OF AN INVARIANCE MODEL

Abstract

This study examines the relationship structure between self-concealment, depressive symptoms, and professional help-seeking, and evaluates its invariance by gender in a sample of 500 Chilean university students. Multi-group structural equation models were used to examine invariance and the relationship structure between variables. The hypothesized model showed a good fit to the data, χ2(132)= 189.793, p< .050, CFI= .993, TLI= .991, RMSEA= .030 [.020, .039], SRMR= .052, and achieved strict (residual) invariance. For both groups, self-concealment is directly and significantly related to depressive symptoms. In female there is a significant inverse relationship between self-concealment and professional help-seeking, while in male self-concealment has an indirect relationship with professional help-seeking, mediated by depressive symptoms. These results underscore the hindering role of self-concealment and the importance of considering gender differences in understanding professional help-seeking for mental health.