Self-Reported Likelihood of Seeking Social Worker Help Among Older Men in Israel

Abstract

The current study assessed the association between demographic factors (age, relationship status, and education), psychosocial factors (self-rated health and self-reported loneliness), and factors related to attitudes and behaviors associated with seeking help (prior experience with social workers, attitudes towards social workers, and the stigma attached to seeking help from social workers, and the self-reported likelihood of seeking social workers’ help among older men in Israel. The data were collected through structured questionnaires, administered to a sample of 256 older men. The findings indicated several avoidance factors which might discourage older men from seeking social worker help. Older men who are more educated, experience less loneliness, report lower self-rated health, have no prior experience with social workers, have less positive attitudes towards social workers and higher stigma attached to seeking social workers’ help, are less likely to seek social workers’ help. The research conclusion is that it is important to develop tools and interventions aimed at helping older men deal with such avoidance factors affecting their tendency to refrain from seeking social worker help, as well as to develop practices adapted to their unique needs.

Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Older Adults: A Scoping Review

“…In regards to accessibility and awareness of formal services, older adults expressed related issues such as costs, long wait times, short consultation times or having busy schedules as help-seeking barriers (Djukanović et al, 2015; Dollard et al, 2014; Frost et al, 2020; Garg et al, 2017; Garrido et al, 2011; Hannaford et al, 2019; Kagan et al, 2018; Lawrence et al, 2006; Lee et al, 2012, 2020; Murata et al, 2010; Polacsek et al, 2019; Schneider et al, 2014; Waterworth et al, 2018). Location and lack of available transportation also made it more difficult for older adults to seek help, especially among those living in rural areas or those with physical constraints (Chen, 2020; Chung et al, 2018; Frost et al, 2020; Garg et al, 2017; Garrido et al, 2011; Gur-Yaish et al, 2016; Mukherjee, 2019; Murata et al, 2010; Polacsek et al, 2019; Waterworth et al, 2018).…”

Public perception of social workers as a source for providing help during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…At the same time, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became more prevalent and intensive following the government's instructions for minimizing the spread of the virus, which included social isolation, working from home, limiting social ties, and lockdowns ( CBS, 2020 ; WHO, 2020 , 2021 ). However, the association between loneliness and seeking help from SWs has received fairly limited research attention ( Kagan et al, 2018 ) and to the best of our knowledge has yet to be investigated during the COVID-19 crisis, when loneliness became more prevalent ( CBS, 2020 ; Kovshi-Eldan & Bing, 2020 ). Studies on this issue in the period preceding the COVID-19 pandemic indicate that lonely people are more likely to seek help from helping professionals and particularly SWs ( Auslander et al, 2003 ; Kagan et al, 2018 ) since in the absence of sufficient personal and social resources they might have more need of professional help and support.…”

“…Studies conducted on this subject in Israel, where the current study was carried out, show that fairly high proportions of the respondents reported a very low likelihood, or no likelihood at all, of seeking help from SWs. For instance, in two studies among the general population in Israel ( Kagan & Zychlinski, 2016 , 2017 ), such statements were made by 37.7% and 32.1% of the respondents, respectively, while among people with physical disabilities the proportion was 35% ( Kagan et al, 2017 ) and among older men 39% ( Kagan et al, 2018 ).…”

“…The studies indicate a long list of barriers to seeking professional help. Some of the studies relate to the individual's sociodemographic background, such as gender, age, religiosity, education, relationship status, and ethnicity ( Andersson et al, 2013 ; Baum, 2006 ; Kagan & Zychlinski, 2017 ; Kagan et al, 2018 ; Kessler et al., 2005 ; Mackenzie et al, 2006 ). Barriers may include perceptions and experiences associated with seeking help, such as the perception that people could and should solve their problems on their own, the concern of self-exposure and of negative labeling ( Chen, 2012 ), lack of knowledge about whom to contact, where, and how, concerns of the costs involved ( Andersson et al, 2013 ; Chen, 2012 ), low confidence in the effectiveness of professional help, unsympathetic views of professionals, low trust in them ( Bolgun & Sahin, 2019 ; Kagan, 2016 ), and lack of prior experience with them ( Segal et al, 2005 ).…”

“…Barriers may include perceptions and experiences associated with seeking help, such as the perception that people could and should solve their problems on their own, the concern of self-exposure and of negative labeling ( Chen, 2012 ), lack of knowledge about whom to contact, where, and how, concerns of the costs involved ( Andersson et al, 2013 ; Chen, 2012 ), low confidence in the effectiveness of professional help, unsympathetic views of professionals, low trust in them ( Bolgun & Sahin, 2019 ; Kagan, 2016 ), and lack of prior experience with them ( Segal et al, 2005 ). Other barriers involve psychosocial issues such as loneliness, psychological distress, and subjective evaluation of one's health condition ( Kagan et al, 2017 , 2018 ).…”