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Published on: December 15, 2023
The role of self-stigma in mediating the association between externalizing and treatment-seeking intention
Brianna N Davis1, Laura E Drislane1
1Department of Psychology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, United States.
Introduction:
Self-stigma occurs when an individual internalizes and accepts the stereotypes and negative views of mental illness endorsed by the public. High levels of self-stigma negatively predict treatment-seeking intention, but little work has examined how self-stigma functions specifically among individuals with tendencies toward impulsivity.
Methods:
The current study implemented structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate whether self-stigma as operationalized by the MHSIS model mediated the relationship between externalizing proneness and the intention to seek mental health treatment. Data were collected from community participants (N = 394) preselected for the presence of impulse control problems (e.g., ADHD, alcohol use) and mental health concerns.
Results:
Externalizing was weakly negatively associated with the intention to seek treatment. Externalizing proneness was associated with higher levels of self-stigma, particularly at the later stages (i.e., application); however, self-stigma did not appear to mediate the association between externalizing and reduced treatment seeking intention.
Discussion:
This study informs how self-stigma exists across the externalizing spectrum and may serve as a transdiagnostic target for intervention.
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