The influence of attitudes and social norms on seeking psychological help among Russian adults

BACKGROUND: In Russia, the rising prevalence of psychological distress potentially leads to reduced work capacity, a lower quality of life, and an increased risk of suicidal behavior. The utilization of psychological services remains low, necessitating further research to enhance the effectiveness of mental health disorder prevention and suicide prevention strategies. AIM: To assess the influence of attitudes and social norms on seeking psychological help among Russian adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included residents of Saint Petersburg aged 18 and older and was conducted through a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI). The survey focused on experiences with seeking psychological help and attitudes toward it. The sample, comprising 1,200 participants, was representative of gender and age distribution, in accordance with St. Petersburg demographic data provided by Rosstat. The survey was conducted in July 2023. Factors influencing help-seeking behavior were analyzed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Key factors influencing the decision to seek psychological help were identified. These included gender, age, and social norms, which manifested in the perceived prevalence of psychological help-seeking among acquaintances and expectations of social approval. Additionally, attitudes toward psychological help played a significant role, particularly perceptions that such assistance is only necessary for individuals with mental illnesses or those of high financial status. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a need to increase psychological help-seeking rates, considering the specific needs of different social groups, particularly men and older adults. This underscores the importance of destigmatization efforts and informational campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the accessibility and effectiveness of psychological services.