Examining dimensions of help‐seeking intentions and associations with personal mental illness stigma among racial and ethnic minority immigrants

Abstract

This study examined the factor structure of the General Help‐seeking Questionnaire and how personal mental illness stigma was associated with different types of help‐seeking intentions among racial and ethnic minority immigrants in the United States. A sample of 202 immigrants aged 18−39 were recruited from a Qualtrics panel and completed the online survey. Confirmatory factor analysis and multiple linear regression were conducted. Results confirmed four dimensions of help‐seeking intentions: informal, formal, semi‐formal, and traditional sources. Immigrants with higher levels of mental illness stigma are more likely to seek help from traditional sources (e.g., religious leader or other community‐based nonfaith resources) and semi‐formal sources (e.g., web‐based resources). Lack of awareness of service options is a key barrier to formal help‐seeking. Results signal the importance of collaboration between mental health service providers. Adopting culturally sensitive care and web‐based delivery formats may help address immigrants' concerns about mental health stigma.