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Self-concealment, depressive symptoms, and seeking professional help: Evidence of an invariance model

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the relationship structure between self-concealment, depressive symptoms, and professional help-seeking, and evaluates its invariance by gender in a sample of 500 Chilean university students. Multi-group structural equation models were used to examine invariance and the relationship structure between variables. The hypothesized model showed a good fit to the data, χ2(132)= 189.793, p< .050, CFI= .993, TLI= .991, RMSEA= .030 [.020, .039], SRMR= .052, and achieved strict (residual) invariance. For both groups, self-concealment is directly and significantly related to depressive symptoms. In female there is a significant inverse relationship between self-concealment and professional help-seeking, while in male self-concealment has an indirect relationship with professional help-seeking, mediated by depressive symptoms. These results underscore the hindering role of self-concealment and the importance of considering gender differences in understanding professional help-seeking for mental health.

Source: Behavioral Psychology/Psicología Conductual

DOI: 10.51668/bp.8324307n

Authors: Natalia Salinas-Oñate, María José Segú Flores, Camila Salazar-Fernández, María José Baeza-Rivera, Mauro Olivera

Institutions: Universidad de La Frontera, Universidad Católica de Temuco

Language: English

Topic: Mental Health Treatment and Access

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo