Mental Health Literacy and Attitude toward Psychological Help-seeking: Insights from a Pilot Study in Ahmedabad, India
Rupangi Shah, Biswajit DeyAbstract
Background:
Mental health concerns are rising globally, yet stigma remains pervasive. Assessing public knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward psychological help-seeking is essential for effective intervention.
Aims and Objectives:
This pilot study examines mental health literacy and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help in the general population of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, across gender, age, and education levels.
Materials and Methods:
A community sample of 132 participants from various regions of Ahmedabad was surveyed using a sociodemographic data sheet, the Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire, and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale.
Results:
Findings indicate a moderate level of mental health literacy and a generally positive attitude toward professional help-seeking. Women exhibited greater interpersonal openness and more favorable attitudes than men. Participants with undergraduate degrees demonstrated higher confidence in mental health professionals, greater stigma tolerance, and a more positive help-seeking orientation.
Conclusion:
Although the findings show a more hopeful shift compared to studies from the previous decade, they are still not substantially promising, highlighting the continued need for improvement in mental health literacy and help-seeking attitudes. These insights can inform targeted mental health awareness initiatives to further enhance public understanding and reduce stigma.