The Extent to which Race, PTSD Symptoms, and Attitudes toward Help-Seeking predict Help-Seeking Intentions/Help-Seeking Behavior among Veterans

Veterans who are returning to civilian life often experience barriers to seeking mental healthcare. The purpose of this quantitative, non-experimental, correlational study was to determine the extent to which race, PTSD symptoms, and attitudes toward help-seeking (psychological openness, help-seeking propensity, indifference to stigma) predict help-seeking intentions and help-seeking behavior among military veterans. Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior was the basis for this study. A convenience sample of 105 veterans (53 African Americans, 52 Caucasians) were recruited via Alchemer. Standard multiple regression analysis showed that help-seeking propensity was a significant predictor of help-seeking intentions, with higher scores on help-seeking propensity predicting higher levels of help-seeking intentions. PTSD symptoms also predicted help-seeking intentions, with higher levels of PTSD predicting higher levels of help-seeking intentions. Race, psychological openness, and indifference to stigma did not predict help-seeking intentions. Race, PTSD symptoms, and attitudes toward help-seeking (psychological openness, help-seeking propensity, indifference to stigma) were not significant predictors of help-seeking behavior. These results can lead to positive social change if used by mental health providers both to improve relationships between healthcare workers and veterans and to design educational programs/interventions to change attitudes toward help-seeking that result in increased help-seeking behavior.