Intentions to seek (preventive) psychological help among older adults: An application of the theory of planned behaviour
Abstract
Objectives This article examines the intentions to seek (preventive) psychological help among older persons. The study is carried out from the theory of planned behaviour and distinguishes attitudes (psychological openness), subjective norms (indifference to stigma), and perceived behavioural control (help-seeking propensity) in explaining behavioural intentions with regard to seeking preventive and therapeutic psychological help. Method 167 Dutch adults between 65 and 75 years of age filled out a questionnaire measuring these concepts. Results Older adults have low intentions to seek professional help for psychological problems. Their intentions to use preventive help are somewhat higher. Older adults are rather indifferent to stigma and they perceive control, but they are less open to professional help when it comes to their own person. Regression analyses revealed that psychological openness and help-seeking propensity are related to intentions to seek preventive and therapeutic help. Conclusion Older Dutch adults have stronger behavioural intentions to use preventive psychological help than to use therapeutic psychological help. Psychological openness is the main barrier for them to seek both forms of help.
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Six studies (14%) specified physicians/general practitioners within their definition of help source [49, 55, 57, 67, 71, 75].
“Six studies (14%) also specified physicians/general practitioners within their definition [49, 55, 57, 67, 71, 75].”
From Explaining adults’ mental health help-seeking through the lens of the theory of planned behavior: A scoping review (2022) · cites this paper as [57]
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- Authors
- Westerhof, G. J., Maessen, M., de Bruijn, R., & Smets, B.
- Affiliations
- Radboud University Nijmegen (NL)
- Reinier van Arkel (NL)
- Corresponding author
- Westerhof, Gerben J.
- ORCID
- Westerhof, Gerben J.
- Venue
- Aging & Mental Health
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2008-05
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 317-322
- ISSN
- 1360-7863 (ISSN-L)
- 1364-6915
- OpenAlex
- W1964063555
- Cited by
- 38
- References
- 25
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 3 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 2.22
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Aging & Mental Health (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Radboud Repository (Radboud University) (submittedVersion)
- University of Twente Research Information (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychology and Mental Health
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
- Keywords
- help-seeking intentions, older adults, theory of planned behavior, open-mindedness, stigma, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, help-seeking barriers
- MeSH terms
- Aged, Mental Disorders, Female, Health Status, Humans, Internal-External Control, Male, Mental Health Services, Models, Psychological, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Personality Inventory, Surveys and Questionnaires, Stereotyping, Health Behavior, Self Efficacy, Intention
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