A theory-based examination of the predictors of mental health help-seeking in young men

Abstract

Objective: The present research seeks to understand young men’s willingness to engage in both informal (social) and formal (professional) mental health support using the lens of the Prototype Willingness Model (PWM). Method: The main study (N = 171) examined the constructs of attitude (positive or negative appraisal of the target behaviour), subjective norm (perceived social influence related to behavioural performance), prototype similarity (degree to which the individual feels similar to the typical person who perform the behaviour) and prototype favourability (degree to which the individual identifies the typical performer as being favourable), in addition to self-stigma and emotional expressivity. Hierarchical multiple regressions assessed these constructs in predicting young men’s willingness to engage in mental health support. Results: Results indicated attitudes, prototype similarity, self-stigma and emotional expressivity explained a significant proportion of variance for willingness to engage in both informal support and formal help-seeking. Self-stigma was significantly associated with formal help-seeking, while emotional expressivity was significantly associated with informal and formal help-seeking. Conclusions: The current research supports the value of the PWM in understanding males’ mental health help-seeking behaviour. The study enhances awareness of key factors which may inform young men’s willingness to engage in support services for their mental health.