The Effects of Self-Construal and Masculinity vs. Femininity: A Comparison of American and Japanese Attitudes Toward Mental Health Services

This study investigated how interdependent/independent self-construals (SC) and masculinity or femininity moderated Japanese and American college students'attitudes toward mental health services. Data were analyzed from a survey that asked 316 American students (122 men and 194 women) and 362 Japanese students (147 men and 215 women) about their attitudes toward seeking professional help, their sense of self in relation to others, and their level of masculinity or femininity. Japanese and male participants tended to hold more negative help-seeking attitudes than did American and female participants. In both countries individuals with independent SC held positive attitudes. However, the roles of interdependent SC and masculinity/femininity were different for Japanese and American participants. While previous studies indicated that SC and gender have predictive roles, mental health counselors should be aware that other factors, such as indigenous beliefs about mental illness, may explain the national difference in help-seeking attitudes. Implications for mental health professionals are addressed.