The relationship between help-seeking behavior and level of impairment in work, social life, and family life

Many people are exposed to trauma and subsequently experience mental health distress, though not all seek help for it. This study aimed to explore the relationship between attitudes towards seeking help and level of impairment in work/school, family, and social domains among individuals seeking treatment for traumatic exposure. This study also analyzed the relationship between attitudes to seeking help through various referral sources and demographic characteristics, including gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and level of education. The analysis revealed no significant relationship between level of impairment and attitudes to seeking help, yet significant differences were found when comparing attitudes towards help seeking among level of education and sexual orientation. Implications of the demographic characteristics of the help seeking population and lack of significance in the relationship between help seeking attitudes and level of impairment are discussed