Help seeking for alcohol problems in a college population.
Despite the availability of effective treatments for problem drinkers, only a minority seek professional assistance. The authors investigated the influences on help seeking for alcohol-related difficulties in two separate studies. In Study 1, 59 men and 74 women completed questionnaires regarding their alcohol use, related problems, readiness to change, and help-seeking interest. The authors also developed a measure of stigma related to alcohol help seeking. Problem recognition, anxiety symptoms, and stigma predicted a global rating of help-seeking. Students (22 men and 60 women) participated in Study 2, which incorporated a multi-item measure of help-seeking intentions as well as attitude and personality measures. Positive attitudes, less perceived stigma, and greater self-efficacy increased help seeking. The findings highlight the importance of both approach and avoidance factors that affect help-seeking decisions, and the authors suggest directions for further research.
Cellucci
Tony
T
Department of Psychology, Box 8112, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA. Cellanth@isu.edu
Krogh
John
J
Vik
Peter
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*