The role of implicit and self-stigma of depression in mental help-seeking intention among young adults.

Stigma surrounding mental health problems significantly hinders help-seeking intentions among young adults. Implicit bias and self-stigma are well documented barriers seeking help. However, a comprehensive model that integrates both implicit and self-stigma on help-seeking intentions has yet to be tested. In this study, we examined the impact of implicit stigma toward depression on help-seeking intentions among young adults, accounting for the mediating role of self-stigma toward depression. <br/><br/>A sample of 101 participants (76.2% women) aged 18 to 24 (M = 21.47, SD = 1.69)<br/>completed questionnaires evaluating self-stigma and help-seeking intention. Participants also completed the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to assess implicit stigma. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the data, controlling for age and gender.<br/><br/>The model with mediation effects exhibited an adequate fit to the data. The results identified that implicit stigma were significantly associated with greater self-stigma (B = 0.54, p &lt; .001), which in turn was associated with lower help-seeking intentions (B = -0.55, p &lt; .001). Additionally, the association of implicit stigma on help-seeking intention through self-stigma was significant (indirect effect = -0.30, p = .002).<br/><br/>These findings indicate that implicit stigma can operate as a mechanism through which societal stigma is internalized by young adults, leading to self-stigmatization and acting as a barrier to seeking help. Addressing both implicit and self-stigma through targeted interventions could mitigate these barriers and promote a more supportive environment for mental health help-seeking.