Help-seeking behavior of individuals with schizophrenia in the general population of Hunan, China

This study aims to know the seeking help behavior of individuals with SZ (Schizophrenia) in Hunan province of China. Individuals (age > 15) with schizophrenia were recruited in the study after a two-stage diagnosis procedure (including questionnaire screening and face-to-face SCID interview by psychiatrists) in Hunan province. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate their help-seeking behavior. (1) Of the 367 participants, 68.9% (253/367) sought help; of those, 64.6% (n = 163) pursued professional psychiatric services and 30.8% (n = 78) pursued non-medical options (i.e., relatives, praying to Buddha) as the most common first choices. (2) Family history of mental disorders is significantly related to whether or not the individual with SZ seeks help, and the first choice of help is significantly related to education level. (P < 0.05). (3) Frequent reasons behind not seeking help include fear of stigmatization (72.9%), poor mental health literacy (64.5%), concerns over cost (50.6%), and limited access to medical services (47.0%). About one-third of the individuals do not seek help. Individuals with SZ tend to choose psychiatric hospitals and relatives as their first choice. Among the factors we investigated, family history of mental disorders is the most influential factor associated with help-seeking behavior. Individuals with more education tend to seek professional help first. The primary reasons for not seeking help include fear of stigmatization, lack of awareness about mental illness, concerns over cost, etc.

Male Counselors’ Experiences of Their Child-Clients’ Trauma

Men are underrepresented in the counseling profession, are socialized to be independent, and discouraged from seeking help. Exposure to others’ trauma can cause secondary trauma, with cumulative deleterious effects. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of male counselors who work with children who have experienced trauma. Six male counselor participants were identified, semi-structured interviews were conducted; then a hermeneutic interpretation through the lens of constructivist self-development theory elucidated participants’ experiences. The 13 themes generated from this data included: (a) counselors’ use of an eclectic theoretical approach, (b) majority of the clients had experienced trauma, (c) experiences of vicarious trauma, (d) increased empathy and growth; (e) negative impact of vicarious trauma, (f) help-seeking behavior, (g) denial of help-seeking behavior, (h) additional training, (i) coping skills, (j) supportive supervisors, (k) peer consultation, (l) supervisor role, (m) world is unsafe/people are bad, and (o) increasing knowledge.

Social face consciousness and help-seeking behavior in new employees: Perceived social support and social anxiety as mediators

Cultural factors play an important role in new employees' help-seeking behavior (HSB). The relationship between social face consciousness (SFC), as an aspect of traditional Chinese cultures, and HSB has seldom been explored in empirical studies. To examine the potential mediating effects of perceived social support (PSS) and social anxiety (SA) in the relationship between SFC and HSB, we recruited 682 employees with 1 year or less of experience in the job market to complete the survey. As predicted, SFC had a significantly negative predictive effect on HSB, and the chain mediating effects of PSS and SA in the relationship between SFC and HSB were significant. The results of the study could be used as a reference for training new employees in learning how to seek help when needed.

New employees' interpersonal sensitivity and help-seeking behavior: Fear of negative evaluation and social anxiety as mediators

Little is known about the relationship between interpersonal sensitivity and help-seeking behavior (HSB), especially in the workplace context. We explored the mediating effects of both the fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and social anxiety (SA) in the association between new employees' interpersonal sensitivity (i.e., an excessive focus on the feelings and behaviors of others) and their HSB. Participants were 636 Chinese employees with 1 year or less of service in the job market. The results show that interpersonal sensitivity was negatively correlated with the HSB of new employees and that this relationship was mediated by FNE and then SA. Thus, for new employees, interpersonal sensitivity exerts a clearly negative predictive effect on HSB, and we have demonstrated the significant chain mediating effect of FNE and SA.

Sexual violence and help-seeking behavior in applicants for international protection residing in Belgium.

Background: Applicants for international protection (AIPs) may be more frequently exposed to sexual violence (SV) than Belgian citizens. Having an overview of the prevalence of SV and help-seeking behavior [HSB] upon SV is crucial to develop prevention strategies and care paths focusing on providing adequate care to AIP SV victims in Belgium. Methods: Using quantitative data from structured interviews with 62 AIPs and qualitative data from 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews with AIP SV victims, we mapped the magnitude and impact of SV in AIPs in Belgium and their HSB upon SV. Results: 83.9% of AIP respondents have ever been exposed to SV and 61.3% of them were victimized within the past year. Victimization and perpetration seems to be more gender balanced than in the general population. AIPs link SV exposure to their legal status and their associated vulnerable situation. HSB upon SV was very limited in this sample. Help-seeking barriers interfering with the decision making process to consult (in)formal resources were identified. Conclusions: AIPs in Belgium are at high risk of SV. Despite SV’s impact on AIPs lives and health, HSB upon SV is rare. Providing age-appropriate sexual education and developing policies to decrease help-seeking barriers, are needed.