The stigma of seeking care and depression

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between stigma and care-seeking for depression. One hundred-seventeen people in a primary care facility and an urban public health clinic completed the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Help Scale and the Attribution Questionnaire. The belief that depression was under personal control was associated with less receptivity toward seeking care, and greater anger toward the person with depression. Pity was associated with seeking professional care and with a desire to help. Dangerousness was unrelated to care-seeking. Gender and setting influenced the results-for men and urban respondents there was no relationship between responsibility and care-seeking.