The utility of the health belief model variables in predicting help-seeking intention for depressive symptoms

Objective:Depressive disorders are prevalent and associated with significant burden. Although effective treatments exist, many individuals do not seek help. The current study aims to examine the barriers to help-seeking for depressive symptoms in an Australian sample, and to examine the utility of Health Belief Model (HBM) factors in predicting the likelihood of future help-seeking in relation to depressive disorders.

Method:The study used a cross-sectional design. One hundred and eighty Australians aged over 18 completed the current study (M_age = 35.85; SD = 13.43; 76.1% female).

Results:The most influential treatment barriers in this sample related to direct costs, indirect costs, and a belief that treatment from a psychologist was not needed. Regression analysis indicated that 49% of the variance in intention to seek help from a psychologist was associated with HBM variables. Level of perceived treatment benefit was the strongest predictor of help-seeking intention.

Conclusion:In order to increase help-seeking for depressive disorders, public health campaigns must enhance perceptions about the benefits of psychological treatment and government policy and/or treatment providers must work to reduce the direct and indirect costs of psychological treatments within Australia.