Internalized Stigma and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Mental Health Treatment-Seeking Behavior Among Urban Young Adults

https://doi.org/10.55966/assaj.2025.4.1.072

Abstract

Purpose: The currebt study focused to investigate the predictive role of  internalized stigma and coping strategies in influencing help-seeking behavior among youngsters living in urban areas.

Method: A correlational study design was used in the research.  Sample comprised N=200  urban young adults aged 18 to 35 years. General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ),Brief-COPE Inventory and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI) were utilized for assessment. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) were used to asses hypothesis.

Result:  Results revealed that there is a significant connection between Internalized stigma, coping strategies and  treatment seeking behavior in urban young adults.

Conclusion: Young adults who have high levels of self-stigma are tend to adopt less effective coping strategies which in turn less prone to get mental health treatment. Moreover, there is a mediating role of coping strategies in internalized stigma and mental health treatment-seeking behavior among young adults.

Implication: Results of this research article have significant implications for the mental health awareness department that they can use this research to raise awareness among urban young adults, institutions faculty, and mental health professionals about the importance of managing  the stigma, use of coping mechanisms in the treatment of mental health issues.

Key Words: Internalized Stigma, Coping Strategies, Mental Health Treatment Seeking Behavior, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling