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Health beliefs and help-seeking attitudes towards mental health issues in Singapore
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Type
Thesis
Author
Loke, Richard Keng Choong
Supervisor
Lim, Kam Ming
Abstract
A Singapore Mental Health Study conducted in 2010 showed that a majority of adult Singaporeans with mental health issues were not seeking professional help. This study seeks to examine and understand how beliefs in mental health influence professional help-seeking attitudes towards mental health issues. The aim of the research study is to examine and understand the belief systems in mental health and to address the problem that a majority of Singaporeans do not seek help for their mental health problems. Belief systems including health beliefs, locus of control beliefs, and cultural beliefs were analysed to understand their influence on attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help. It proposed a conceptual model Mental Health Belief Model (MHBM) to explain and predict the relationships between health beliefs and help-seeking attitudes towards mental health issues.
A total of 418 participants (296 men, 122 women) responded to four questionnaire instruments and one on demographic information sheet. It was hypothesised that health beliefs, locus of control beliefs, and cultural beliefs have significant relationships with attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help. Statistical methods including correlation, multiple regression, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling were used in the data analysis. Significant differences were found in health beliefs, locus of control beliefs and cultural beliefs, and their attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help. Results showed that the conceptual model MHBM was strong and robust to explain and predict the relationships among the variables.
The present study seeks to fill the gaps in examining how people’s beliefs about mental health influence their attitudes in seeking professional help. It also aims to contribute to the emerging literature on help-seeking attitudes towards mental health issues. It proposes practical ways to promote mental health awareness, develop mental health programmes and deliver mental health services in Singapore. In particular, an integrated counselling approach with multicultural perspectives is emphasised in a multi-racial and multi-religious society like Singapore. In this way, mental health will be enhanced not just in the individuals, but also in the community as a whole.
A total of 418 participants (296 men, 122 women) responded to four questionnaire instruments and one on demographic information sheet. It was hypothesised that health beliefs, locus of control beliefs, and cultural beliefs have significant relationships with attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help. Statistical methods including correlation, multiple regression, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling were used in the data analysis. Significant differences were found in health beliefs, locus of control beliefs and cultural beliefs, and their attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help. Results showed that the conceptual model MHBM was strong and robust to explain and predict the relationships among the variables.
The present study seeks to fill the gaps in examining how people’s beliefs about mental health influence their attitudes in seeking professional help. It also aims to contribute to the emerging literature on help-seeking attitudes towards mental health issues. It proposes practical ways to promote mental health awareness, develop mental health programmes and deliver mental health services in Singapore. In particular, an integrated counselling approach with multicultural perspectives is emphasised in a multi-racial and multi-religious society like Singapore. In this way, mental health will be enhanced not just in the individuals, but also in the community as a whole.
Date Issued
2020
Call Number
HM1141 Lok
Date Submitted
2020