Factors Influencing Help-seeking Behavior for Mental Health Among Distressed Young Adults: A Path Analysis Model

Abstract

Background: There seems to be a relationship between barriers of distress-perception and stigma to consult a mental health professional (MHP), help-seeking inclination from MHP, help negation, and encouragement from significant others (SO) to consult MHP in bringing about a change in help-seeking behavior. However, these have not been studied in tandem. This study aimed to explore the relationship between factors influencing help-seeking behavior among distressed, non-treatment-seeking young adults (D-NTS) for common mental health concerns following the ReachOut intervention. Methods: A total of 109 D-NTS aged 20–35 engaged with ReachOut were recruited online using purposive and snowball sampling. ReachOut was aimed at enhancing professional help-seeking. Participants were assessed at baseline and one month post-intervention for help-seeking barriers, inclination, and encouragement from SO. Help-seeking behavior from MHP was evaluated at a two-month follow-up. Inferential statistics in the form of Spearman’s rho correlation, logistic regression, and path analysis were computed. Results: Regression analysis revealed a significant model (χ2 = 34.53, P