THE IMPACT OF MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA ON TREATMENT SEEKING BEHAVIOR: A STUDY ON THE BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACCESS

Abstract

Mental health stigma remains a formidable barrier to treatment seeking, contributing to a substantial global treatment gap. This study investigates the multifaceted impact of public and self-stigma on individuals' decisions to access mental health care. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed, recruiting a diverse sample of 1,200 adults from the general population who reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression in the preceding 12 months. Validated scales measured levels of perceived public stigma, internalized self-stigma, attitudes toward professional help-seeking, and actual treatment-seeking behavior. Results from multiple regression and path analyses revealed that self-stigma was the most potent predictor of treatment avoidance, mediating the relationship between public stigma and help-seeking intentions. Higher levels of stigma were significantly correlated with lower perceived need for treatment, greater fear of disclosure, and a stronger preference for self-management strategies. The findings underscore that internalized negative beliefs are more crippling than perceived public judgment alone. This study concludes that anti-stigma campaigns must evolve beyond raising public awareness to directly target and dismantle self-stigma through psychoeducation and contact-based interventions. Reducing this barrier is critical for improving mental health care access and outcomes, necessitating integrated efforts within healthcare systems, communities, and policy frameworks.