The Role of Self-Efficacy and Social Support in Shaping Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Help

Abstract

In recent years, mental health awareness has grown in India, yet a reluctance to seek professional help persists. There are individuals in India who acknowledge their mental health struggles but refrain from seeking professional support. This research primarily aims to examine how self-efficacy and social support influence the attitudes of young adults toward seeking professional help. The total number of participants involved in this study was 100 and their age range was 18-24 years. In this paper self report questionnaires were used to assess the level of students’ social support, self-efficacy and attitude towards professional help seeking. The outcomes of the study were analyzed using regression analysis and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. The research results demonstrated a positive and significant relationship among young adults’ social support, self-efficacy and their attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. In addition to this, self-efficacy and social support both emerged as predictors of positive attitude towards seeking professional psychological help. It is suggested by this study that strategies should be developed to strengthen self-efficacy and enhance social support among young adults, so they can be encouraged to seek professional help when needed.