Labels, Stigma, and Gender Divide : What Drives Help-Seeking in Mental Health?

The study explores the complex dynamics between self-labelling, self-stigma and help-seeking behaviours among Indian individuals with an internal locus of control. The hypothesis states that self-labelling in individuals with internal LOC would lead to increased self-stigma, which in turn would reduce help-seeking behaviours. Gender differences were also examined in the study. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between self-labelling and self-stigma (r=0.298, p=0.008), with self-labelling explaining 88.7% of the variance in self-stigma. Self-stigma was also significantly negatively correlated with help-seeking behaviours (r=−0.475, p<0.001), accounting for 74.6% of the variance in help-seeking. Gender differences showed that men experienced higher self-stigma (p=0.003) and were less likely to seek help compared to women (p=0.002). Unexpectedly, internal LOC did not correlate significantly with any of the variables, challenging initial beliefs about the role I-LOC in these processes. The results highlight implications for mental health interventions hindered by self-stigma and addressing the importance of gender-specific barriers.