Conceptual measurement framework for help-seeking for mental health problems

Abstract

BackgroundDespite a high level of research, policy, and practice interest in help-seeking for mental health problems and mental disorders, there is currently no agreed and commonly used definition or conceptual measurement framework for help-seeking.MethodsA systematic review of research activity in the field was undertaken to investigate how help-seeking has been conceptualized and measured. Common elements were used to develop a proposed conceptual measurement framework.ResultsThe database search revealed a very high level of research activity and confirmed that there is no commonly applied definition of help-seeking and no psychometrically sound measures that are routinely used. The most common element in the help-seeking research was a focus on formal help-seeking sources, rather than informal sources, although studies did not assess a consistent set of professional sources; rather, each study addressed an idiosyncratic range of sources of professional health and community care. Similarly, the studies considered help-seeking for a range of mental health problems and no consistent terminology was applied. The most common mental health problem investigated was depression, followed by use of generic terms, such as mental health problem, psychological distress, or emotional problem. Major gaps in the consistent measurement of help-seeking were identified.ConclusionIt is evident that an agreed definition that supports the comparable measurement of help-seeking is lacking. Therefore, a conceptual measurement framework is proposed to fill this gap. The framework maintains that the essential elements for measurement are: the part of the help-seeking process to be investigated and respective time frame, the source and type of assistance, and the type of mental health concern. It is argued that adopting this framework will facilitate progress in the field by providing much needed conceptual consistency. Results will then be able to be compared across studies and population groups, and this will significantly benefit understanding of policy and practice initiatives aimed at improving access to and engagement with services for people with mental health concerns.

Coping strategies, caregiving burden, and depressive symptoms of Taiwanese mothers of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

“…Meanwhile, these parents made great efforts to use both conventional western medicine and complementary alternative medicine for their child's ASD (Shyu et al, 2010). This help-seeking process was viewed as an adaptive form of problem-focused (Rickwood & Thomas, 2012).…”

Predictors of Mental Health Service Use by Young Adults: A Systematic Review

“…Studies targeting specific vulnerable or special-service populations-namely, homeless young adults, young veterans, and chronic illness or disability groups-were excluded due to their different treatment needs (37,38). Consistent with existing research (39,40), mental health services were broadly defined as community mental health services, counseling services, or services provided in hospital departments, with treatment delivered by trained mental health professionals (that is, general practitioners, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, or social workers), regardless of duration of service use or data collection method (that is, prospectively via self-report or retrospectively via medical records). Eligible studies were published in English in a peer-reviewed journal between January 1990 and June 2015.…”

Help-Seeking for Dementia

“…11 However, the most common definition of HS today is the active process of seeking help, 8 which includes several stages such as identification and awareness of the problem or the need; identification of the resources needed to alleviate the problem; procurement of these resources from others; and communication of the person in need with others about the problem. 11 However, the most common definition of HS today is the active process of seeking help, 8 which includes several stages such as identification and awareness of the problem or the need; identification of the resources needed to alleviate the problem; procurement of these resources from others; and communication of the person in need with others about the problem.…”