Unraveling Factors Driving Malaysia’s Civil Servants’ Intention to Seek Counseling Services: An Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Model

Abstract

This study examined the intention of seeking counseling services among Malaysian civil servants. This study proposed a research model that elucidates the relationship between awareness, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, trust propensity, and intention. A survey was administered to 396 Malaysian civil servants, and the data obtained was analyzed using regression techniques. The result indicated that awareness, attitude, and perceived behavioral control significantly influence seeking counseling services. The results found the mediating role of attitude in the relationship between awareness and intention. Trust propensity did not yield a significant influence in the model. This research underscores the importance of understanding behavioral determinants in the context of counseling services and offers crucial insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to promote mental well-being among civil servants. This study addresses a research gap by targeting Malaysian civil servants, a group often overlooked in mental health service research. By identifying key determinants influencing their intention to seek counseling, this work provides a foundation for relevant service interventions.