Denise M Saint Arnault1, Moonhee Gang2, Seoyoon Woo1. 1. School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 500 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA. 2. College of Nursing, Chungnam National University, 266 Moonhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, 301-747, South Korea. Electronic address: mhgang@cnu.ac.kr.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify factors influencing mental health help-seeking behavior among women in the community. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. Participants were 402 women in South Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and a path analysis by IBM SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0. RESULTS: There was a significant, but weak positive correlation between perceived need and help-seeking intentions for formal mental health help (r=0.09, p<0.05). In the path analysis, significant the factors influencing help-seeking intentions were perceived need, attitude, and belief toward mental illness, and the attitude of them had the greatest effect. These factors accounted for 12.2% of the total variance, and the model fit was acceptable. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study reveal that positive mental illness interpretation and consequence can predict mental health help-seeking behavior of women as well as the perceived need for mental health help.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify factors influencing mental health help-seeking behavior among women in the community. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used. Participants were 402 women in South Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and a path analysis by IBM SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0. RESULTS: There was a significant, but weak positive correlation between perceived need and help-seeking intentions for formal mental health help (r=0.09, p<0.05). In the path analysis, significant the factors influencing help-seeking intentions were perceived need, attitude, and belief toward mental illness, and the attitude of them had the greatest effect. These factors accounted for 12.2% of the total variance, and the model fit was acceptable. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study reveal that positive mental illness interpretation and consequence can predict mental health help-seeking behavior of women as well as the perceived need for mental health help.