Linkages between mental health need and help-seeking behavior among adolescents: Moderating role of ethnicity and cultural values.

The current study examined the influence of cultural values on mental health attitudes and help-seeking behaviors in college students of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Asian and Latinx college students (N = 159) completed an online survey in which they reported their adherence to cultural values and general attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behavior. Factor analysis revealed two common factors of cultural values irrespective of ethnic background: Interdependent Orientation (IO) and Cultural Obligation (CO). Regardless of ethnicity, the more students endorsed IO values, the less likely they were to perceive a need for mental health treatment. IO value adherence also predicted more negative attitudes towards mental health. CO values were not predictive of perceived need or help-seeking behaviors. Findings highlight the importance of assessing certain cultural values independently from ethnicity and considering how the multidimensionality of culture may help explain shared mental health behaviors across ethnic group membership.

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Formal Help-Seeking Behavior of Adolescents Identifying Themselves as Having Mental Health Problems

Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry ◽

10.1097/00004583-199406000-00013 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 33 (5) ◽

pp. 718-728 ◽

Cited By ~ 116

Author(s):

STEPHEN M. SAUNDERS ◽

MICHAEL D. RESNICK ◽

HARRY M. HOBERMAN ◽

ROBERT WILLIAM BLUM

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Problems ◽

Help Seeking Behavior ◽

Seeking Behavior

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The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health and help-seeking behavior among Italian university students. A descriptive and cross-sectional study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.32515 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Micaela Di Consiglio ◽

Sheila Merola ◽

Tiziana Pascucci ◽

Cristiano Violani ◽

Alessandro Couyoumdjian

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

University Students ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Female Students ◽

Help Seeking Behavior ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Paranoid Ideation ◽

Seeking Behavior ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND To reduce the spread of Covid-19 the Italian government imposed a rigid lockdown and, for a whole year, it kept declaring stringent rules to curb the community spread. The pandemic had a great negative impact on general population mental health, including the one of university students. OBJECTIVE The study provides an overview about symptomatology and help-seeking behavior of university students before and during the Covid-19 pandemic and it aims to evaluate the impact of the different phases of the pandemic on students' mental health. METHODS We collected data in four time points: (1) March 2019-February 2020, (2) March-May 2020, (3) October-December 2020, (4) January 2020-March 2021. A total of 454 students have been included in the study. Students answered a socio-demographic questionnaire and a standardized questionnaire to evaluate a broad range of symptoms of psychopathology. Descriptive analyses have been conducted to explore student’s symptomatology and help-seeking behavior. Considering the significant gender-difference distribution between groups, groups comparison analysis has been conducted considering male and female separately. RESULTS Considering the total sample size, results suggest that students have experienced moderate to severe levels of depressive, obsessive-compulsive and anxiety symptomatology. About 14% of the sample met criteria for at least one mental health disorders, but most of them were not receiving mental health care. Moreover, during the lockdown, compared with other phases, female students reported worse symptoms in the following dimension: obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, paranoid ideation and psychoticism. The increasing symptomatology quickly disappeared after the lifting of the quarantine. Results showed any difference in the male groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the view of a negative mental health condition of university students and indicate an increase of symptomatology during the lockdown among female students. Preventive and support strategies should be improved in the university context.

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Exploring the Effectiveness of an Integrated Mixed Martial Arts and Psychotherapy Intervention for Young Men’s Mental Health

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988319832121 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 155798831983212 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

N. Bird ◽

G. McCarthy ◽

K. O’Sullivan

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

At Risk ◽

Martial Arts ◽

Role Models ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Help Seeking Behavior ◽

Mixed Martial Arts ◽

Young Males ◽

Seeking Behavior ◽

The Impact

This research sought to establish the impact of a 10-week program combining mixed martial arts (MMA) and one-to-one psychotherapy on young males’ mental health and determine factors that predict help-seeking behavior in at-risk males. Preparticipation and post-participation interviews were employed as the method of data collection. Seven males (20–35 years; M = 24.57) completed preparticipation interviews and five completed follow-up interviews. Thematic analysis of preparticipation revealed that help-seeking behavior in at-risk males is impeded by the presence of male gender stereotypes, the absence of positive role models, as well as difficulty navigating challenging social landscapes. Post-participation interviews revealed that the sport provided structure and fitness for at-risk males, while the counseling was pivotal for personal growth. Improved relationships, work life, and self-esteem were also observed. The sporting element of the program helped to reduce stigma associated with engaging in psychotherapy, and positive male relationships were noted as particularly impactful. Findings support previous research indicating that combining sports and psychotherapy positively impacts young males’ mental health. Sport provides an acceptable doorway to psychotherapy, providing space to explore personal issues.

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