Dimensionality of the Turkish Version of the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale: Results from Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses

Kaya C., Tansey T., Chan F., Bezyak J., Melekoglu M. A., Cakiroglu O., ...Daha Fazla

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING, cilt.37, sa.2, ss.105-116, 2015 (ESCI) identifier identifier

  • 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
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

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.