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01-01-2018 | Original Paper

Attachment and Mental Help-Seeking in the Perinatal Period: The Role of Stigma

Authors: Ana Fonseca, Mariana Moura-Ramos, Maria Cristina Canavarro

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

This study aimed at (1) examining how women’s attachment representations influence their intentions to seek formal help for their emotional problems, either directly or by affecting attitudes towards professional help-seeking (stigma and psychological openness), and (2) examining whether these effects are moderated by the presence of clinically significant psychopathological symptoms. A cross-sectional online survey including 226 women during the perinatal period was conducted. Results showed that, when clinically significant psychopathological symptoms were present, women’s more insecure attachment representations were associated with lower intentions to seek professional help, and this influence occurred throughout a decrease in women’s indifference to stigma associated with mental healthcare. These results support both the intra and interpersonal nature of the help-seeking process, and highlight the importance of implementing stigma reduction strategies (e.g., awareness campaigns, health professional’s non-judgmental questioning of emotional difficulties), particularly in women with clinically significant psychopathological symptoms.

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Title: Attachment and Mental Help-Seeking in the Perinatal Period: The Role of Stigma
Authors: Ana Fonseca
Mariana Moura-Ramos
Maria Cristina Canavarro
Publication date: 01-01-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0138-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Attachment and Mental Help-Seeking in the Perinatal Period: The Role of Stigma

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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