The Mediating Role of Hesitancy in the Associations Between Mental Disorders and Social Support Seeking During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has consequential impacts on not only physical but also mental health. However, the types of social support that individuals with mental health needs sought during the pandemic and their underlying reasons for it are not well known. Drawing on a community needs survey with 4282 participants, we found a positive association between self-reported anxiety and seeking social support from health professionals, family and friends, and mediated sources. There was also a positive association between self-reported depression and seeking support from medical professionals and mediated sources but a negative association with seeking support from family and friends. Importantly, a positive indirect effect was observed between mental health and seeking support from family and friends through hesitancy, whereas negative indirect effects were documented between mental health and seeking support from health professionals and mediated sources through hesitancy. Theoretical, practical, and methodological implications were discussed.