Factors Related to Attitudes toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help among Japanese Junior High and High School Students

To develop intervention methods of primary prevention for adolescents who are at high risk for mental health disorders, we investigated help-seeking behavior (HSB) and factors related to HSB. We distributed questionnaires to 1222 junior high (age, 13.55 ± 0.5 years) (mean ± SD) and high school students (age, 16.56 ± 0.49 years) in Japan. A total of 1168 questionnaires were answered and returned. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to determine HSB and related factors scales. Among the sample students, 39% had previous knowledge of mental health consultation. However, only 10% said they would seek out a mental health specialist. Friends or senior students were frequently chosen (70%) as the initial consultant. Using multiple regression linear analysis, we found that image of and stigma towards psychiatry and psychological counseling and knowledge of mental health to be factors related to HSB. High school students were more likely than junior high students to display HSB. Initially, students tended to choose friends and family rather than specialized professional support for their mental health concerns. The image of psychiatry, knowledge of services and stigma towards mental health problems and services were related factors. We conclude that educational programs that include students, parents, family and friends are needed for early intervention to change the general image and knowledge of specialized mental health services to increase HSB.