Journal of Positive School Psychology http://journalppw.

com
2022, Vol. 6, No. 6, 572 – 584

Factors Influencing Professional Mental Health Help-Seeking

Willingness Among People: A Case Study

1Bayan Hussein, 2Aya Sayed, 3Abdelrahman Ali, 4Roba Shady, 5Abdalla Takrouny,
6Pilsung Choe

1
Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar,
bh1602414@qu.edu.qa
2
Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
3456
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha,
Qatar.

Abstract
Mental health has been a taboo subject in many societies for several years. However, because
untreated mental illness can lead to severe consequences, people should be encouraged to seek
treatment. Unfortunately, individuals are often discouraged by a wide range of factors. This work
presents a case study conducted in Qatar to explore the different factors affecting individuals’
willingness to seek Mental Health Counselling (MHC). A survey is used to collect data and measure
individuals’ willingness to get treatment–if needed–and the possible factors preventing them from
seeking MHC. These factors include parenting style, perceived stigma, mental health literacy, social
media consumption, and service-related factors. The collected data are then statistically analyzed
using ANOVA and correlation analysis to find a significant difference between the MHC willingness
levels and the mentioned factors. Based on the results, practical actions are recommended to
encourage people to achieve a mentally healthy lifestyle.

Keywords: Mental Health Treatment Service, Help-Seeking Willingness, Mental Health Treatment
Cost, Mental Health Literacy (MHL), Social Stigma, Social Media, Parenting Style.

1. INTRODUCTION Several models have explained help-seeking

behaviors. These include the Health Belief
According to the World Health Organization,
Model and the Cycle of Avoidance. The Health
depression is a prevalent disorder that affects
Belief Model suggests that help-seeking
over 300 million people globally and has
behavior is determined by the individual’s
varying severity [1]. Depression and mental
perception of many factors, including their
health illness can develop into serious health
vulnerability to illness, its consequences, and
conditions if left untreated. Unfortunately, over
treatment benefits [4]. Furthermore, the Cycle
75% of low- and middle-income countries do
of Avoidance suggests that individuals classify
not have access to adequate mental health care
their issues into real/abnormal or
[2]. Many individuals with untreated mental
normal/universally experienced. However, due
health problems do not receive mental health
to the stigma around mental health, individuals
treatments even though the number of service
are often unconsciously reluctant to classify
facilities has increased [3]. This indicates that
their issues as abnormal [5]. The following sub-
individuals’ help-seeking behavior is different
sections discuss the independent variables
for many reasons. Many factors are acting as
considered in this study: mental health
barriers to mental health counseling (MHC).
573 Journal of Positive School Psychology

awareness levels, educational attainment, contradicts research that revealed lower

perceived social stigma about mental health, tolerance levels toward people with mental
the parenting style individuals were exposed to, health conditions among the less educated. Yet,
social media consumption, and service-related in these examinations, the outcomes were not
factors. controlled for the effect of other clinical and
socio-demographic variables. Belo et al. [16]
1.1. Mental Health Literacy
study examined 403 participants, and the main
Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is described as finding of the study was that educated old-aged
beliefs and knowledge that can help identify, people have superior mental prosperity and a
handle, and prevent mental health problems or more certain relaxation attitude.
disorders [6]. MHL level in individuals can be
1.3. Perceived Social Stigma
measured by identifying the main elements: the
ability to identify specific mental illness, ask The stigma around mental health is commonly
for mental health information, and perform associated with discrimination [17]. Fear and
self-treatment. The elements of MHL also shame are two of the most typical reasons
include the knowledge of risks and causes, preventing mental health treatment-seeking.
awareness of available help, and attitudes that People are wary of being labeled “mentally ill”
support proper help-seeking [7]. MHL emerged or “crazy” because of the negative stigma and
as the primary research focus over the past few discrimination of having a mental disease. They
decades, since its assessment paves the way to may also be concerned about how a designation
identify attitudes towards seeking professional like this would affect their profession,
help [8]. For this reason, various MHL education, or other life objectives [18]. Because
programs have been developed to improve the of that, it is critical to identify the effects of
early recognition and intervention of mental mental health stigma to combat its
disorders [9], [10]. Additionally, research into consequences. The stigma has been assessed
the impact of MHL on help-seeking behavior using the Stigma-9 Questionnaire (STIG-9),
has attracted considerable interest. Smith and which is applied to 919 patients with mental
Shochet et al. [11] stated that a high MHL level disorders to evaluate this measure
indicates a greater help-seeking intention. psychometrically. Higher scores suggest a
Gulliver et al. [12] conducted a systematic greater likelihood of negative societal ideas,
review to summarize the reported barriers and feelings, and behaviors against those who are
facilitators of willingness in help-seeking in mentally ill [19]. Moreover, in a study that
young adults and adolescents. They reported included 482 clients from different clinics in
that the inability in recognizing mental illnesses Jordan, it was predicted that the factors
due to poor MHL is one of the barriers to help- influencing their attitudes toward formal MHC
seeking. The aforementioned results indicate are the cultural views about mental conditions
the significant role of MHL in facilitating a and their level of perceived stigma toward
better help-seeking tendency. formal MHC. This study proved this hypothesis
after conducting a hierarchical regression
1.2. Educational Background
model analysis [20]. In addition, the findings in
According to studies on educational attainment, Schnyder and Panczak et al. [21] review
lack of education relates to a lack of confirmed the idea that mental health stigma is
psychosocial resources, which, in turn, act as a linked to an inactive help-seeking behavior.
link between education and depressive However, the degree of association varies
symptoms. Many research works have proved among four types of stigmas which were the
that greater levels of education are associated Personal Stigma (PersonS), Self-Stigma
with higher physical earnings and mental (SelfS), perceived Public Stigma (PublicS), and
wellness [13]. However, it is indicated that Attitudes towards Help-seeking (HelpA).
higher education was not connected with more
positive views regarding MHC [14], [15]. This
Bayan Hussein 574

1.4. Parenting Style alternative way to explore remedies to their

mental health problems. SM may offer a once-
Despite the enormous number of studies
in-a-lifetime opportunity for young people to
investigating help-seeking behaviors, few
improve their mental health. The work done by
consider parental roles. Particularly in children
Gere et al. [25] investigated college students’
and adolescents, it is assumed that parents have
attitudes toward SM usage, self-therapy, and
an integral role in recognizing the
mental health-seeking behavior and the factors
psychological problems and their severity and
that influence these behaviors. It also
the support given to their children [22].
considered the ramifications for this group’s
Parenting styles can be classified into four
mental health help-seeking behavior and the
categories based on the level of demandingness
adequate approaches for providing them with
(ability to monitor the behavior and set limits)
timely and relevant information. Moreover,
a¬nd responsiveness (ability to provide support
Thompson et al. [26] outlined the results of an
and nurturing). The four categories are
SM campaign to decrease stigma and boost
authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and
help-seeking attitudes among youths in a
neglectful. Firstly, the authoritative style is a
particular Midwestern County. According to
balance between demandingness and
assessments based on population-level data,
responsiveness. On the other hand, the
students exposed to the campaign’s content
authoritarian style is associated with high
experienced notable reductions in self-reported
demandingness with lower responsiveness. The
stigma behaviors and increased help-seeking
permissive style consists of higher
attitudes. Students who had above-average
responsiveness and lower demandingness.
change also experienced fewer mental health
Lastly, the neglectful style consists of low
issues. Similarly, efforts were made to raise
levels of both demandingness and
awareness of mental health issues and enhance
responsiveness. A case study conducted in
access to resources for pre-adolescence with
Australia found that a positive authoritative
mental health challenges by creating
parenting style was associated with greater
“mindyourmind,” a web-based initiative with a
intentions for help-seeking adolescents [23].
comprehensive SM presence [27]. The study
The study only focused on the authoritative
evaluated SM techniques to understand their
parenting style and related it to the help-
impact on teenage MHL and help-seeking
seeking behavior of individuals. Moreover, a
behavior.
study conducted in the Netherlands investigated
the maternal perceptions of their children’s 1.6 Service-related Factors
mental health and help-seeking willingness and
Eisenberg et al. [28] explored the association
concluded that most respondents expressed that
between help-seeking behavior and
the lack of MHC hinders them from help-
accessibility to mental health services among a
seeking, while some expressed that negative
community-based sample of undergraduate and
judgment poses a barrier [24].
graduate students. A conclusion was reached
1.5. Social Media Consumption that, even in a setting where all students had
free short-term psychotherapy and other
In recent years, social networking sites have
primary health care, most students with visible
grown in popularity as outlets for sharing
mental illnesses went untreated.
personal details, including those associated
with emotional health and well-being. 1.7 Objectives and Contributions
Engagement and friendship with different users
This work aims to conduct a case study to
are established and maintained by commenting
investigate individuals’ mental health help-
on their posts and forming discussion groups.
seeking behaviors thoroughly and deeply and
Because Social Media (SM) is prevalent,
the factors influencing such decisions
individuals are constantly exposed to others’
(summarized in Figure 1 and Table 1). The
opinions. Individuals who require others’ input
and help might consider using SM as an
575 Journal of Positive School Psychology

major contributions of this paper can be 5. Based on the findings, conclusions and
summarized as: practical actions are recommended to aid in the
construction of proper MHC services and
1. Studying and analyzing the impact of
encourage individuals to seek professional help
the different parenting styles (authoritative,
when needed.
authoritarian, and permissive) on help-seeking
behavior instead of one parenting style. Nominal Predictors
2. Finding a direct relation between SM • Social media consumption and usage
consumption and the individuals’ willingness to • Parenting style ANOVA
seek professional mental health rather than just • Mental health treatment cost
focusing on the impact of social media and the • Prior experience
awareness levels. • Accessibility to mental health facilities Outcome
• Mental healthhelp-seekingwil ingness
3. Investigating the correlation between Interval Predictors
the MHL level and the perceived social stigma • Mentalhealth literacy
Correlation
with the help-seeking behavior of individuals. • Perceived socialstigma
4. Investigating the differences between
the help-seeking intentions with service-related Figure 1. Predicator and outcome variables
factors, such as prior experience, treatment
cost, and accessibility to MHC facilities.
Table 1. Independent factors considered in the case study
Ref. [6]-[12] [17]-[21] [22]-[24] [25]-[27] [28]

Service-
Mental health Perceived social Parenting SM
Factor related
awareness stigma style consumption
factors

The remaining work is organized as follows: summarized in Table 2. Both participants who
Section 2 presents the methodology followed in did not complete the questionnaire or had low
conducting this paper, including data collection consistency in their responses were excluded
methods and the measures used for the from the statistical analysis. All respondents
independent variables. Next, section 3 presents provided consent during the questionnaire, and
the statistical analysis of the collected data, participation was completely voluntary with no
including the one-way Analysis of Variance financial incentives for completing the
(ANOVA) and correlation analysis and the questionnaire. The survey was distributed
respective results. Lastly, section 4 discusses electronically and translated into Arabic to
the main findings and recommends practical reach a larger number of people.
actions to encourage help-seeking behaviors in
Table 2. Sample demographics distribution
individuals. Finally, section 5 concludes the
paper. Factor Category Percentage
18-25 52.98%
26-35 25.83%
Age Group 36-45 13.25%
2. Methodology
46-50 5.30%
2.1 Data Collection Method > 50 2.65%
Female 62.91%
Gender
A 35-item questionnaire (presented in the Male 37.09%
Appendix) was constructed and distributed to Single 62.91%
participants older than 18 years old. The Marital Married 36.42%
Status Widowed 0.66%
sample initially contained 151 respondents. The
Divorced 0.00%
sample demographics distribution is Educational No Formal Education 0.00%
Bayan Hussein 576

Background Primary Education 1.32% The answers were based on a 4-point Likert
Secondary Education 19.21% scale and summed up for each subscale. The
College/University 62.91% subscale with the highest score was considered
Graduate School 16.56%
the parenting style associated with the
Unemployed 9.93%
Student 33.77% respondent.
Employment
Employed 48.34%
Status
Retired 1.32%
Housewife/Homemaker 6.62% 2.2.4. Help-Seeking Behavior
2.2 Measures
The help-seeking intentions/willingness was
2.2.1. Mental Health Literacy measured using the Attitudes Toward Seeking
The mental health awareness level was Professional Psychological Help (ATSPPH)
quantified using the Mental Health Literacy scale [31]. The original questionnaire measures
Questionnaire (MHLQ) [29]. The shortened the respondent’s openness to seek professional
form used in this work consisted of 7 items: 5 MHC and the value they find. In this study,
items to measure the respondents’ knowledge only the openness factor was studied, with a
and 2 items to measure their self-assessment total of 3 items answered by a 4-point Likert
capabilities. The items were answered by a 4- scale. The final scores of each respondent,
point Likert scale, from 0 (disagree) to 3 ranging from 0-9, were obtained by summing
(agree). The final score for each respondent the individual answers, with 0 indicating
was calculated by summing the individual complete unwillingness and 9 indicating
answers, resulting in the possible range of 0-21, complete willingness.
with 0 indicating unaware and 21 indicating 2.2.5. Other Factors
highly aware.
The SM, prior experience, accessibility to
2.2.2. Perceived Social Stigma MHC facilities, and treatment cost were
The STIG-9 is a measure that quantifies an measured by asking direct questions to the
individual’s perceived social stigma. A shorter respondents.
form of 3 items is taken from the STIG-9 to 2.3 Data Visualization
measure the mental health stigma level of the
respondents. The items were answered based This section states the hypotheses stated for
on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 to 3, and each independent factor. Table 3 lists the null
answers were summed up for each individual. and alternative hypotheses for the statistical
The score ranged from 0-9, where 0 indicates tests conducted in this work. Firstly, the
low stigma and 9 indicates high stigma. normality, variance equality, and outliers are
investigated using the Normality, Tests of
2.2.3. Parenting Style Equal Variances, and Outliers test in Minitab.
The Parenting Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) Moreover, the correlation between the MHL
is a questionnaire that measures the extent to and Perceived Stigma with the help-seeking
which respondents rate their parents as behavior is investigated. Lastly, the difference
authoritative, authoritarian, or permissive [30]. between factors of parenting style, social media
A total of 9 items were used in the consumption, prior experience, accessibility to
questionnaire, with 3 items for each subscale. MHC facilities, and treatment cost is tested
using ANOVA.
Table 3. Null and alternative hypotheses for each factor
Significance
Factor Null Hypothesis, 𝑯𝟎 Alternative Hypothesis, 𝑯𝑨
Level, 𝜶
Normality of The data are not normally
The data are normally distributed
responses distributed
5%
Equal variances
All variances are equal At least one variance is different
between groups
577 Journal of Positive School Psychology

All data come from the same normal Smallest or largest data is an
Outliers Test
population outlier
There is no significant correlation There is a significant correlation
between mental health awareness and between mental health awareness
MHL
mental health willingness levels of and mental health willingness
the individuals levels of the individuals
There is no significant correlation There is a significant correlation
Perceived between perceived stigma and mental between perceived stigma and
Stigma health willingness levels of the mental health willingness levels of
individuals the individuals
There is no significant difference
between parenting styles and the At least one group has different
Parenting Style
mental health willingness levels of willingness levels than the others
the individuals, i.e., 𝜇𝐴 = 𝜇𝐹 = 𝜇𝑃
There is no significant difference
between the social media
SM consumption and the mental health At least one group has different
Consumption willingness levels of the individuals, willingness levels than the others
i.e., 𝜇<30 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝜇1 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟 =
𝜇1−2 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 = 𝜇2−3 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 = 𝜇>4 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠
There is no significant difference
SM usage for between the social media usage for
At least one group has different
online help- online help-seeking and the mental
willingness levels than the others
seeking health willingness levels of the
individuals, i.e., 𝜇𝑦𝑒𝑠 = 𝜇𝑛𝑜
There is no significant difference
between individuals who had prior
Prior At least one group has different
experience in MHC and the mental
Experience willingness levels than the others
health willingness levels of the
individuals, i.e. 𝜇𝑦𝑒𝑠 = 𝜇𝑛𝑜
There is no significant difference
between individual’s accessibility to
MHC At least one group has different
MHC facilities and the mental health
accessibility willingness levels than the others
willingness levels, i.e.,
𝜇𝑦𝑒𝑠 = 𝜇𝑛𝑜 = 𝜇𝑖𝑑𝑘
There is no significant difference
between treatment cost and the
mental health willingness levels of At least one group has different
Treatment Cost
the individuals, i.e., 𝜇𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑝 = willingness levels than the others
𝜇𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 = 𝜇𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑙𝑦 = 𝜇𝑖𝑑𝑘
2.4 Data Pre-processing questions resulted in a low Cronbach Alpha,
the data was processed to eliminate the
Upon collecting the data, the internal
inconsistent data points, leaving only 93
consistency of responses was calculated using
responses. This was conducted by removing the
the Cronbach Alpha. A Cronbach alpha larger
responses with a large standard deviation (more
than 0.6 is considered acceptable [32]. Thus,
than 1.5) between the answers for each
the Cronbach alpha was computed for each
subscale (permissive, authoritarian, and
independent factor having multiple items in the
flexible). Then, re-calculating the Cronbach
questionnaire, as shown in Table 4. Since the
alpha, each subscale met the reliability criteria,
responses’ reliability for the Parenting Style
as shown in Table 4.
Bayan Hussein 578

Table 4. Reliability measured by Cronbach Alpha for each factor

Factor Cronbach Alpha before Cronbach Alpha after
processing (with 151 processing (with only 93
responses) responses)
Willingness Levels 0.7722 0.819
MHL 0.6074 -
Perceived Stigma 0.6020 -
Permissive 0.5552* 0.6215
Parenting
Authoritarian 0.6237 0.7142
Style
Flexible 0.4496* 0.7373
*Inconsistent
which is a non-parametric test, was applied to
measure the degree of association between
3. Analysis and Results
perceived stigma and mental health willingness
This section describes the statistical analysis levels of the respondents. A very weak
conducted on each independent variable. First, correlation between the stigma and the mental
the results of the normality, equal variances, health willingness was concluded, since the
and outliers’ tests are shown to decide whether value of r was -0.179.
a parametric or non-parametric test will be
3.3 Parenting Style
used. After that, the Spearman correlation and
ANOVA tests are presented. Conclusions are For the parenting style, the collected data
then drawn based on the obtained correlation showed a normal distribution with equal
coefficients and p-values. variances among the groups, and no outliers,
with p-values of 0.596, 0.463, and
3.1 MHL
1.00/1.00/1.00, respectively. The ANOVA
For the MHL factor, the Spearman correlation parametric test was conducted to test the
test was performed to measure the degree of differences among the groups. The ANOVA
association between MHL and the willingness results are shown in
levels of the respondents. The non-parametric
Table 5. An F-value of 1.19 and a p-value of
statistical approach is selected due to the
0.31 indicate no difference among the different
violation of the normality condition, as the p-
parenting styles in terms of help-seeking
values is less than 0.05. The test for equal
willingness (failing to reject H_0).
variances showed inequality in the variance of
the collected data. However, the outlier data Table 5. ANOVA table for Parenting Style
points identified by the outlier test were
eliminated. The correlation coefficient between Source DF Adj SS Adj F-value p-values
MS
the MHL and the willingness was 0.126,
Parenting 2 13.89 6.945 1.19 0.310
indicating a very weak correlation between the style
MHL and the help-seeking willingness. Error 90 526.37 5.849
Total 92 540.26
3.2 Perceived Stigma
3.4 Social Media (SM)
Regarding the perceived stigma, the data
Regarding the SM factor, the respondents were
collected violated the normality test with a p-
asked, firstly, about their average daily
values less than 0.05. In addition, the equal
consumption of SM. The collected data showed
variance test showed that the data collected had
a normal distribution with equal variances
non-equal variances since the p-values was less
among the groups, and no outliers, with p-
than 0.05. The outlier test showed a 0.001 p-
values of 0.072, 0.188, and 1.00/1.00/1.00/1.00,
values, indicating that the extreme value is an
respectively. The usage of the ANOVA
outlier. After that, the outlier has been
parametric test was selected to test the
eliminated from the data set. Since all of these
difference among the consumption groups. The
tests are violated, the Spearman correlation test,
579 Journal of Positive School Psychology

results for the ANOVA test that are shown in Table 8. ANOVA table for prior experience
Table 6 generated an F-value of 1.05 and a p-
Source DF Adj SS Adj MS F- p-
value of 0.384. Since the p-value>0.05, the
value values
results show no difference among the Prior 1 52.83 52.826 8.12 0.005
consumption groups in terms of the help- Experience
seeking willingness (failing to reject H_0). Error 129 838.91 6.503
Total 130 891.74
Table 6. ANOVA table for SM consumption
3.6 MHC Accessibility
Source DF Adj SS Adj MS F-value p-values
After collecting data from respondents
SM 4 26.35 6.588 1.05 0.384
regarding their access to MHC facilities, data
Error 146 916.28 6.276
Total 150 942.64
analysis was applied to test the normality of the
The second aspect of the relationship between data. Analysis showed that the data collected
SM and help-seeking willingness is to observe were normally distributed, and all variances
if the respondent has used SM for online help- were equal since calculated p-values were
seeking by asking a direct question. The greater than 0.05. Moreover, all data values
collected data showed a normal distribution come from the same normal population (no
with equal variances among the groups, and no outliers with the lowest p-values of 0.598).
outliers, with p-values of 0.227, 0.161, and Table 9 shows the results of the ANOVA test
1.00/0.303, respectively. The ANOVA with an F-value of 7.17 and a p-values of
parametric test was used to test the difference 0.001. Accordingly, the null hypothesis is
in the usage of online help-seeking groups. The rejected, which indicates that the accessibility
results are summarized in Table 7. Since the to MHC facilities is a factor that prevents
0.05< p-values <0.1, the null hypothesis is people from seeking MHC.
rejected with marginal significance. Thus, there Table 9. ANOVA table for individuals’
is a marginally significant difference among the accessibility to MHC facilities
SM usage for online help-seeking groups in
terms of the help-seeking willingness. Source DF Adj SS Adj MS F-value p-values
Therefore, it could be concluded that people MHC 2 83.23 41.614 7.17 0.001
prone to use social media for online support are Acc.
Error 148 859.41 5.807
more likely to seek professional MHC.
Total 150 942.64
Table 7. ANOVA table for SM usage for online 3.7 Treatment Cost
help-seeking
The respondents were asked to classify the
Source DF Adj SS Adj MS F-value p-values treatment cost as cheap, affordable, or
SM 1 21.96 21.963 3.55 0.061 expensive. The collected data showed a normal
Error 149 920.67 6.179 distribution with equal variances among the
Total 150 942.64 groups and no outliers, with p-value of 0.749,
3.5 Prior Experience 0.447, and 0.669/1.00/1.00, respectively. The
results of the ANOVA test are shown in Table
The respondents were asked if they had prior
10, with an F-value of 2.79 and a p-value of
experience in professional MHC. The collected
0.042. Thus, the null hypothesis is rejected, and
data showed a normal distribution with equal
it can be stated that the treatment cost is a
variances among the groups, and no outliers,
factor that discourages people from seeking
with p-values of 0.227, 0.684, and 1.00/1.00,
professional MHC.
respectively. The results of the ANOVA are
shown in Table 8, with an F-value of 8.12 and a Table 10. ANOVA table for treatment cost
P-value of 0.005. Thus, the null hypothesis is
rejected, and it can be stated that individuals’ Source DF Adj SS Adj MS F- p-value
value
prior experience is a factor that hinders people
Treatment 3 50.71 16.904 2.79 0.043
from seeking professional MHC. Cost
 Bayan Hussein 580

Error 147 891.92 6.068 significance was found between groups that
Total 150 942.64 seek online help in terms of professional help-
3.8 Results Summary seeking. Furthermore, significant differences
were found between the groups of the service-
The summary of results of the statistical tests is
related factors. People with prior experience
shown in Table 11. Only the service-related
had different willingness levels than those who
factors (prior experience, accessibility to MHC
did not experience MHC. There was a
facilities, and treatment cost) showed
significant difference between individuals with
significant results at the 5% significance level.
different accessibility to MHC facilities. The
Table 11. Summary of the statistical test results one-way ANOVA showed significant
and conclusions differences among people who classified the
treatment cost as expensive and people who
Statistic
Statistical classified it as cheap. Following these results,
Factor and p- Conclusion
Test practical actions are recommended to address
value
Weak those factors that showed significant results.
MHL r: 0.126
Spearman correlation
Perceived correlation Weak 4.1 Practical Recommendations
r: -0.179
Stigma correlation
Mental health professionals play an essential
F-value:
Parenting 1.19, p- role in identifying and treating people with
Style value: mental disorders due to their experience and
0.31 ability to prescribe medications. However,
F-value: advocates for expanded mental health access
SM 1.05, p- often overlook the lack of access due to
Consumption value:
0.310
psychiatrists’ unwillingness to accept insurance
F-value: as payment. In the study done by Bishop et al.
SM usage for 3.55, p- Marginally [33], it was found that psychiatrists have much
online HS value: significant* lower acceptance rates for insurance than other
0.061 specialties. These low acceptance percentages
ANOVA
F-value: may be a barrier to individuals accessing MHC.
Prior 8.12, p-
Experience value:
A similar observation was found in the data
0.005 analysis performed in this paper. As it is clear
F-value: from Figure 2, respondents who were inclined
MHC 7.17, p- Significant to seek MHC (having high willingness levels)
accessibility value: at  = 0.05 also agreed that they would consider therapy as
0.001
an option if their health insurance plan covered
F-value:
Treatment 2.79, p- it.
Cost value:
From the data analysis, it was observed that the
0.042
*significant at  = 0.1
leading cause preventing individuals from
seeking professional MHC is the perceived
costly nature of the treatment. Therefore, to
4. Discussions & Recommendation provide practical recommendations, we should
To summarize the main findings, the Spearman break down the main factors that impact the
correlation analysis between the MHL and the cost of MHC:
stigma with help-seeking willingness showed a • Professional Training: Therapists with
very weak correlation between the variables. more training and experience in the field
The one-way ANOVA test results among the usually charge more per session.
parenting style groups and the average SM
consumption showed no significant differences • Geographic Location: Due to the
between the groups in terms of the help-seeking increased cost of living in prominent
willingness levels. However, marginal
581 Journal of Positive School Psychology

metropolitan regions, therapists operating in sample estimate [35]. In this work, several data
those locations often charge more. points were eliminated in the data-pre-
processing phase due to inconsistent responses.
• Therapy Type: The cost of therapy
The reported conclusions about the parenting
varies based on the disorder, the therapeutic
styles could be incorrectly drawn since the
style, and the level of therapist specialty.
sample size is small. Moreover, as presented in
If an individual is on a limited budget and Table 2, the female category and 18-25 age
cannot afford therapy fees, or if the health group were dominant. Certain populations are
insurance does not cover therapy, the following less likely to have access to online surveying.
low-cost options are recommended: Thus, research findings are not generalizable
since the sample could suffer from selection
• Check the local college/university if bias and proper randomization is not achieved
they have a training clinic for students pursuing [36].
a career in MHC. Experts will supervise those
training sessions to evaluate the student
performance. Those types of clinics could offer
5. Conclusion
free or low-cost prices.
This research has analyzed people’s willingness
• Explore online therapy options as they to seek MHC through the focal points of both
are often low-cost and comparatively as qualitative and quantitative research
effective as the conventional in-person option. perspectives. The findings show that seeking
• Search online for a Sliding-Scale mental help is complicated, with numerous
therapy provider. Those providers will set their factors influencing the decision. In this study,
prices according to the individual’s income. statistical data analysis tests (ANOVA and
Spearman correlation) were applied to factors
Lastly, since the prior experience of individuals affecting people’s decision to seek help for
showed significant results with the ANOVA mental health issues. From the findings, it can
test, it is recommended that be concluded that factors like MHL and stigma
counselors/practitioners perform regular self- show a very weak correlation with the
assessments and increase their flexibility in willingness to seek MHC. With the ANOVA
adopting various treatment approaches. This test, the results on parenting style and SM
could affect the patients’ willingness and consumption showed no major difference
encourage them to seek MHC. between groups in terms of the willingness to
seek MHC. Despite that, there were significant
differences in service-related factors and
willingness. Those factors include prior
experience, accessibility, and cost. Moreover,
marginal differences were spotted among
groups who experienced online help-seeking in
terms of professional mental help-seeking.
Additionally, the results highlighted that
excessive cost of treatment was the main
deterrent for people to seek professional MHC.
Figure 2. Distribution of answers from the
Respondents also demonstrated a greater
insurance questions (x-axis) and the
degree of willingness to seek MHC if health
respondent’s willingness level (y-axis)
insurance covered treatment costs.
The uncertainty associated with statistical data Furthermore, researchers can assess whether
depends on the sample size [34]. A larger therapists’ flexibility in adopting various
sample size can significantly reduce the treatment approaches can impact the patients’
uncertainties associated with the data and willingness to seek MHC. Additionally, future
increase the precision and reliability of the work could include expanding this study to a
Bayan Hussein 582

larger and unbiased sample. Also, the a dynamic interpretive model of illness
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Conflict of Interest disclosure: The authors
Christensen, B. Rodgers, and P. Pollitt,
declare no conflict of interest. “‘Mental health literacy’: a survey of the
Ethic Statement: No ethical approval was public’s ability to recognise mental
required at the time of the survey because the disorders and their beliefs about the
effectiveness of treatment,” Medical
dataset is anonymous. In addition, the consent
Journal of Australia, vol. 166, no. 4, pp.
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Acknowledgement: This research study Palha, “Mental Health Literacy in Young
Adults: Adaptation and Psychometric
received no financial support. The statements
Properties of the Mental Health Literacy
made herein are solely the responsibility of the Questionnaire,” International Journal of
authors. Environmental Research and Public Health,
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