Adolescent Mental Health Help-Seeking from Family and Doctors: Applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour to the Northern Ireland Schools and Wellbeing Study

ABSTRACT

Background

Adolescent mental illness is of increasing concern, with prevalence increasing especially in females in the United Kingdom. While service-related barriers can deter help-seeking, the role of family support and engagement in family activities, and attitudes towards seeking help from a doctor has received little attention. Studies exploring help-seeking from family and medical practitioners have done so without incorporating theories of behaviour change. This study aims to develop a model of adolescent help-seeking using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB).

Method

A cross-sectional survey of 1639 male and females aged 13–17 years in Northern Ireland. Structural Equation Modelling determined fit for TBP factors, with the addition of gender, experience of mental health issues, and engagement in family activities.

Results

The Structural Equation Model suggests an adequate description of the relationships between TPB variables [χ²(639) = 8302.36, p < .001; RMSEA = 0.09; SRMR = 0.06; CFI = 0.92; IFI = 0.92], with significant variance (R²) of up to 61% (Intentions to Seek Help from Family) and 24% (Intention to Seek Help from Medical Professionals) explained. Males (compared to females) reported a more supportive family life, fewer mental health problems, more trust in doctors, less prosocial behaviour, more confidence discussing mental health with a doctor, and greater intentions to seek family or medical professional help when having emotional/mental health problems.

Conclusions

When supporting adolescent’s gender, engagement with family and trust in doctors should be considered, especially where they have experienced mental health issues and may be less willing to seek help.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• suicide
• general practitioners
• help-seeking
• self-harm

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported through Ulster University and the Public Health Agency for Northern Ireland.

Notes on contributors

Gavin Breslin

Dr. Gavin Breslin, is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology researching mental health and wellbeing in young people.

Stephen Shannon

Dr. Stephen Shannon, is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise with a focus on children's wellbeing and physical activity.

Garry Prentice

Dr. Garry Prentice, is a Lecturer in Psychology and researcher in addiction, health and quantitative research methods.

Michael Rosato

Dr. Michael Rosato, is a Senior Research Fellow and Epidemiologist in mental health.

Gerard Leavey

Professor Gerard Leavey, is the Director of the Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, at Ulster University.