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Title
The utility of the health belief model variables in predicting help-seeking intention for depressive symptoms
Author(s)
Publication Date
2021-05-04
Early Online Version
Abstract
<p><b>Objective:</b>Depressive disorders are prevalent and associated with significant burden. Although effective treatments exist, many individuals do not seek help. The current study aims to examine the barriers to help-seeking for depressive symptoms in an Australian sample, and to examine the utility of Health Belief Model (HBM) factors in predicting the likelihood of future help-seeking in relation to depressive disorders.</p>
<p><b>Method:</b>The study used a cross-sectional design. One hundred and eighty Australians aged over 18 completed the current study (<i>M</i><sub>age</sub> = 35.85; SD = 13.43; 76.1% female).</p>
<p><b>Results:</b>The most influential treatment barriers in this sample related to direct costs, indirect costs, and a belief that treatment from a psychologist was not needed. Regression analysis indicated that 49% of the variance in intention to seek help from a psychologist was associated with HBM variables. Level of perceived treatment benefit was the strongest predictor of help-seeking intention.</p>
<p><b>Conclusion:</b>In order to increase help-seeking for depressive disorders, public health campaigns must enhance perceptions about the benefits of psychological treatment and government policy and/or treatment providers must work to reduce the direct and indirect costs of psychological treatments within Australia.</p>
<p><b>Method:</b>The study used a cross-sectional design. One hundred and eighty Australians aged over 18 completed the current study (<i>M</i><sub>age</sub> = 35.85; SD = 13.43; 76.1% female).</p>
<p><b>Results:</b>The most influential treatment barriers in this sample related to direct costs, indirect costs, and a belief that treatment from a psychologist was not needed. Regression analysis indicated that 49% of the variance in intention to seek help from a psychologist was associated with HBM variables. Level of perceived treatment benefit was the strongest predictor of help-seeking intention.</p>
<p><b>Conclusion:</b>In order to increase help-seeking for depressive disorders, public health campaigns must enhance perceptions about the benefits of psychological treatment and government policy and/or treatment providers must work to reduce the direct and indirect costs of psychological treatments within Australia.</p>
Publication Type
Journal Article
Source of Publication
Australian Psychologist, 56(3), p. 233-244
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
2021-03-25
Place of Publication
United Kingdom
ISSN
1742-9544
0005-0067
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020
Peer Reviewed
Yes
HERDC Category Description
Peer Reviewed
Yes
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