TY - JOUR
T1 - Dimensionality of the Turkish Version of the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale
T2 - Results from Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses
AU - Kaya, Cahit
AU - Tansey, Timothy
AU - Chan, Fong
AU - Bezyak, Jill
AU - Melekoğlu, Macid Ayhan
AU - Çakıroğlu, Orhan
AU - Köse, Samet
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.
Copyright:
Copyright 2016 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 2015/6/1
Y1 - 2015/6/1
N2 - Self-stigma has a substantial negative impact on help-seeking behaviors across various cultures and countries. A reliable and valid self-stigma of help-seeking measurement is needed to reduce barriers related to pursuing services. This study investigated the factorial validity of the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH) with a sample of Turkish college students. The factor analysis identified a two-factor measurement structure: (a) feeling of inadequacy, and (b) threat to self-confidence. The scales measured the extent that help-seeking can influence individuals’ self-confidence/self-esteem and generate negative feelings and emotions. Female Turkish students had lower self-stigma of help-seeking than male students. Familiarity with health professionals in the Turkish mental health system (i.e., counseling psychologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists) were significantly associated with lower levels of threats of self-confidence related to help-seeking. Participants who had lower self-stigma were more likely to share their problems with a mental health professional. Outreach services to increase students’ knowledge about mental health professionals and services to reduce stigma are discussed.
AB - Self-stigma has a substantial negative impact on help-seeking behaviors across various cultures and countries. A reliable and valid self-stigma of help-seeking measurement is needed to reduce barriers related to pursuing services. This study investigated the factorial validity of the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH) with a sample of Turkish college students. The factor analysis identified a two-factor measurement structure: (a) feeling of inadequacy, and (b) threat to self-confidence. The scales measured the extent that help-seeking can influence individuals’ self-confidence/self-esteem and generate negative feelings and emotions. Female Turkish students had lower self-stigma of help-seeking than male students. Familiarity with health professionals in the Turkish mental health system (i.e., counseling psychologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists) were significantly associated with lower levels of threats of self-confidence related to help-seeking. Participants who had lower self-stigma were more likely to share their problems with a mental health professional. Outreach services to increase students’ knowledge about mental health professionals and services to reduce stigma are discussed.
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U2 - 10.1007/s10447-014-9230-3
DO - 10.1007/s10447-014-9230-3
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84939963833
VL - 37
SP - 105
EP - 116
JO - International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
JF - International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
SN - 0165-0653
IS - 2
ER -