Mental Health Literacy as a Determinant of Help-Seeking Behavior in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Mental health literacy (MHL) is one of the most consistently identified modifiable determinants on help-seeking behavior (HSB). However, a systematic review specifically examining quantitative evidence of MHL as a determinant of HSB among adolescents aged 10-19 years is not yet available. This review aims to synthesize quantitative evidence on MHL as a determinant of mental health HSB among adolescents. Methods: A systematic review with narrative synthesis following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted in March 2026 across five international databases (PubMed, Scopus, APA PsycArticles, ERIC, Google Scholar) and one national (Indonesian) database (Garuda) for studies published between 2014 and 2026; supplemented by a grey literature search across eight sources. Study selection used the PECO framework, with adolescents aged 10-19 years as the population. Risk of bias was evaluated using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. Results: Twenty-four studies conducted across 13 countries (n=20.563) were included. Eighteen studies (75.0%) reported at least one significant positive association between MHL and HSB. The help-seeking recognition dimension showed the most consistent association, while the knowledge dimension yielded mixed findings. Stigma reliably mediated and attenuated the positive effects of MHL. Conclusion: MHL is a significant determinant of help-seeking intentions among adolescents, with help-seeking recognition as the strongest component. Interventions should prioritize this component alongside destigmatization strategies and engagement with adolescents’ social environments.