The Utility of the Health Belief Model Variables in Predicting Help-Seeking Intention for Anxiety Disorders

Langley, EL; Wootton, BM; Grieve, R

The Utility of the Health Belief Model Variables in Predicting Help-Seeking Intention for Anxiety Disorders

Langley, EL Wootton, BM

Grieve, R

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Australian Psychologist, 2018, 53 (4), pp. 291 - 301
Issue Date:: 2018-08-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Langley, EL	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Wootton, BM https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9036-0699	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Grieve, R	en_US
dc.date.issued	2018-08-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Australian Psychologist, 2018, 53 (4), pp. 291 - 301	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	0005-0067	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/128453
dc.description.abstract	© 2017 The Australian Psychological Society Objective: Anxiety disorders are common, and effective treatments exist, however, many people with anxiety disorders do not access these treatments due to numerous barriers. The current study aimed to examine treatment barriers that are specific to anxiety disorders and to examine the utility of the Health Belief Model (HBM) variables in predicting intention to seek psychological help in relation to anxiety disorders. Method: The study employed a cross-sectional design and participants were a convenience sample comprising first year psychology students and other individuals who were interested in participating. A total of 278 individuals voluntarily participated in the current study by completing a battery of online self-report measures. Of these participants, there was an 89% completion rate and 243 met inclusion criteria (81% female; Mean age 25.58, SD = 10.69). Results: The most commonly reported barriers in this population included “I would not be able to afford treatment” (52%), followed by “I think I can/should work out my own problems rather than talking to a psychologist” (49%). Regression analyses indicated that 51% of the variance in intention to seek psychological help can be accounted for by the HBM variables. Perceived treatment benefits were the strongest predictor of help-seeking intention. Conclusions: The study highlights that individuals must interpret psychological treatment as potentially helpful in order to seek help for anxiety disorders. In order to improve help-seeking for anxiety disorders it is essential that professional bodies use targeted marketing strategies to increase the perceived helpfulness of seeing a mental health professional.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Australian Psychologist	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1111/ap.12334	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Clinical Psychology	en_US
dc.title	The Utility of the Health Belief Model Variables in Predicting Help-Seeking Intention for Anxiety Disorders	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	4	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	53	en_US
utslib.for	1701 Psychology	en_US
utslib.for	1702 Cognitive Sciences	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Graduate School of Health
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.issue	4	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	53	en_US

Abstract:

© 2017 The Australian Psychological Society Objective: Anxiety disorders are common, and effective treatments exist, however, many people with anxiety disorders do not access these treatments due to numerous barriers. The current study aimed to examine treatment barriers that are specific to anxiety disorders and to examine the utility of the Health Belief Model (HBM) variables in predicting intention to seek psychological help in relation to anxiety disorders. Method: The study employed a cross-sectional design and participants were a convenience sample comprising first year psychology students and other individuals who were interested in participating. A total of 278 individuals voluntarily participated in the current study by completing a battery of online self-report measures. Of these participants, there was an 89% completion rate and 243 met inclusion criteria (81% female; Mean age 25.58, SD = 10.69). Results: The most commonly reported barriers in this population included “I would not be able to afford treatment” (52%), followed by “I think I can/should work out my own problems rather than talking to a psychologist” (49%). Regression analyses indicated that 51% of the variance in intention to seek psychological help can be accounted for by the HBM variables. Perceived treatment benefits were the strongest predictor of help-seeking intention. Conclusions: The study highlights that individuals must interpret psychological treatment as potentially helpful in order to seek help for anxiety disorders. In order to improve help-seeking for anxiety disorders it is essential that professional bodies use targeted marketing strategies to increase the perceived helpfulness of seeing a mental health professional.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/128453