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Help-seeking behaviour for internalizing problems: perceptions of adolescent girls from different ethnic backgrounds
Ilse Johanna Elisabeth Flink1, Tinneke Monique Josef Beirens, Dick Butte
1a Deparment of Public Health , Erasmus University Medical Centre , Rotterdam , The Netherlands.
Ethnicity & Health
|June 1, 2013
Summary
Adolescent girls, especially from ethnic minorities, struggle to recognize internalizing problems and face barriers to seeking help. Addressing negative attitudes towards mental health services and family/friend reactions is crucial for improving help-seeking behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent girls from ethnic minorities exhibit higher risks for internalizing problems like depression.
- A significant gap exists in formal help-seeking behaviors for these issues among this demographic.
- Understanding their unique perceptions of help-seeking is vital for intervention development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perceptions of adolescent girls from diverse ethnic backgrounds regarding help-seeking for internalizing problems.
- To identify barriers and facilitators influencing their help-seeking decisions.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study design utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs).
- Eight ethnic-specific FGDs conducted with 50 adolescent girls (Turkish, Moroccan, Dutch backgrounds) in Rotterdam.
- Analysis employed NVivo software, framed within a help-seeking model using a vignette.
Main Results:
- Non-Dutch participants focused on causes of problems, while Dutch participants focused on emotional states.
- Participants generally perceived the presented internalizing problems as not severe.
- Help-seeking was hindered by negative attitudes towards professionals/school services; fear of parental/friend reactions was a significant barrier for non-Dutch girls.
- Mothers and close friends were identified as primary sources of informal support.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent girls across Turkish, Moroccan, and Dutch backgrounds showed difficulty recognizing the severity of internalizing problems.
- Multiple barriers impede their decision to seek formal help, including negative attitudes and social concerns.
- Recommendations include promoting positive attitudes towards mental health services, ensuring confidentiality, and training professionals in adolescent communication, with special attention to family/friend influences in ethnic minority groups.
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