Mediating effect of stigma on the relationship between mental health literacy and help-seeking attitudes among university students in South Korea

Recent evidence demonstrates that improved mental health literacy and decreased stigma are two essential components to facilitate help-seeking behaviors and early identification of mental disorders. This study aimed at examining whether social and self-stigma mediated the level of mental health literacy on help-seeking attitudes among university students in South Korea. In this cross-sectional survey, 305 students from six universities in South Korea (female: 59%, age: 21.76 ± 3.11) joined the study. The survey included self-report measures of mental health literacy, social stigma, self-stigma, and help-seeking attitudes, as well as socio-demographic measures. Findings revealed that social and self-stigma partially mediated the association between the level of mental health literacy and mental health help-seeking attitudes among South Korean university students. Based on results, the importance of education and campaign to enhance mental health literacy and decrease stigma regarding mental health problems among university students in South Korea was highlighted.