Psychological Distress and Help-Seeking Behavior: An Introduction

摘要

The relationship between the experience of psychological distress, the recognition of the need for help with emotional problems, and the seeking of help were studied. It was concluded that although psychological distress is a major factor in the recognition of need for help with emotional problems, it plays a minor role in the seeking of help. Recognition of need, independent of psychological distress, is a major predictor in the decision of seek help. Neither psychological distress nor recognition of the need for help with an emotional problem were related to the use of physician services among either those with acute symptoms or those with chronic health problems.