Dimensionality of the Turkish Version of the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale: Results from Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING, cilt.37, sa.2, ss.105-116, 2015 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 37 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2015
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10447-014-9230-3
- Dergi Adı: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.105-116
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Self-stigma, Help-seeking, Mental health, Counseling, College life adjustment, MENTAL-HEALTH, COLLEGE-STUDENTS, ATTITUDES, ILLNESS, DEPRESSION, VALIDITY, STRESS, SSOSH
- Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Self-stigma has a substantial negative impact on help-seeking behaviors across various cultures and countries. A reliable and valid self-stigma of help-seeking measurement is needed to reduce barriers related to pursuing services. This study investigated the factorial validity of the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH) with a sample of Turkish college students. The factor analysis identified a two-factor measurement structure: (a) feeling of inadequacy, and (b) threat to self-confidence. The scales measured the extent that help-seeking can influence individuals' self-confidence/self-esteem and generate negative feelings and emotions. Female Turkish students had lower self-stigma of help-seeking than male students. Familiarity with health professionals in the Turkish mental health system (i.e., counseling psychologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists) were significantly associated with lower levels of threats of self-confidence related to help-seeking. Participants who had lower self-stigma were more likely to share their problems with a mental health professional. Outreach services to increase students' knowledge about mental health professionals and services to reduce stigma are discussed.