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Inventory of Attitudes toward Seeking Mental Health Services: Psychometric Properties among Adolescents

Author

Listed:
  • Marta Brás

    (Psychology Research Centre (CIP) & Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Ana Margarida Cunha

    (Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Cláudia Carmo

    (Psychology Research Centre (CIP) & Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

  • Cristina Nunes

    (Psychology Research Centre (CIP) & Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal)

Abstract

Mental health is an essential element of wellness; however, some populations are more vulnerable to mental health problems. Suicide is the second-highest cause of death in young people and help-seeking unwillingness is a significant obstacle to mental health interventions. Young people are especially reluctant to seek help and negative attitudes stand out as help-seeking barriers, highlighting the importance of evaluating these constructs. The Inventory of Attitudes toward Seeking Mental Health Services (IASMHS) is a measure that evaluates help-seeking attitudes; nevertheless, it lacks applicability in Portuguese youth. This study aims to explore the psychometric characteristics of the IASMHS in 750 Portuguese adolescents (52.3% female, M age = 14.67), through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability and validity analyses. Results suggest that a three-factor structure was adequate, those factors being help-seeking propensity, indifference to stigma, and psychological openness. The IASMHS was shortened to 20 items and revealed satisfactory properties regarding internal consistency, convergent/discriminant validity, and temporal stability. These findings validate the IASMHS as an adequate tool in the assessment of young people’s help-seeking attitudes.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Brás & Ana Margarida Cunha & Cláudia Carmo & Cristina Nunes, 2022. "Inventory of Attitudes toward Seeking Mental Health Services: Psychometric Properties among Adolescents," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:11:y:2022:i:7:p:284-:d:851714
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sanne P. A. Rasing & Yvonne A. J. Stikkelbroek & Wouter den Hollander & Ana Okorn & Denise H. M. Bodden, 2021. "Long Term Outcomes of Blended CBT Compared to Face-to-Face CBT and Treatment as Usual for Adolescents with Depressive Disorders: Analyses at 12 Months Post-Treatment," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-13, October.
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