Help-seeking: a review of the literature

Abstract

Help-seeking encompasses a complex set of issues. The present survey appraises the empirical work covering three topics: the people who seek help, the role of the social network in the help-seeking process, and the outcome of the helping interaction. Included are reviews of where people turn for assistance, the type of problems for which they seek help, the kind of aid provided, and conditions influencing satisfaction with help received. Future research directions are presented with special emphasis on implications for effective delivery of services.