Masculine Norms and Mental Help-Seeking in Indian Men: The Mediating Role of Self-Stigma of Seeking Help

Abstract

This study examined associations between masculine norms, Asian values, self-stigma of seeking help, and mental help-seeking attitudes among 403 Indian men aged 18-29 years from urban areas across India, testing mediation and moderation effects using a cross-sectional survey design. Participants completed validated measures including the Male Role Norms Inventory-Revised, Asian Values-Revised Scale, Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale, and Mental Help-Seeking Attitudes Scale. Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using bootstrapping procedures. Results showed significant negative correlations between masculine norms and help-seeking attitudes (rs = -0.176, p < .001), and between self-stigma and help-seeking attitudes (rs = -0.458, p < .001). Masculine norms were positively correlated with self-stigma (rs = 0.421, p < .001). Self-stigma fully mediated the relationship between masculine norms and help-seeking attitudes (indirect effects: β = -0.163 to -0.151, all p < .001). Asian values did not moderate the masculine norms-help-seeking relationship. These findings demonstrate that self-stigma serves as a critical mechanism linking masculine norms to negative help-seeking attitudes among Indian men. Results support developing culturally sensitive interventions targeting self-stigma reduction to promote mental health service utilisation.