The impact of community-based mental health service provision on stigma and attitudes towards professional help-seeking. (4th May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kearns, Michelle; Muldoon, Orla T.; Msetfi, Rachel M.; Surgenor, Paul W.G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of mental health. Volume 28:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 289
• Page End: 295
• Publication Date: 2019-05-04
• Subjects: Mental health -- help-seeking -- service provision -- community -- stigma; Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental health services -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2018.1521928
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8237

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Stigma of mental ill-health and attitudes towards help-seeking are recognized barriers to seeking professional help, and have previously been linked to the type of support services available. Aims: This study examined if the introduction of community-based mental health services to an area impacts mental health stigma and attitudes towards professional help-seeking amongst local residents. Method: A repeated cross-sectional study comprising of community surveys in two localities was carried out before and after community-based mental health services were introduced ( N = 1074). Measures including perceived public and self-stigma of mental ill-health, and attitudes towards seeking professional help were compared across the two time points. Results: Both public and self-stigma were significantly lower, and attitudes towards seeking professional help significantly more positive, after community-based mental health services had been introduced in each locality. Conclusions: The presence of local, accessible mental health services can positively impact help-seeking behaviour by reducing stigma and changing norms and attitudes around professional help-seeking.