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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-11-2013 | Original Paper

Personality-related factors as predictors of help-seeking for depression: a population-based study applying the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use

Authors: Georg Schomerus, Katja Appel, Peter J. Meffert, Melanie Luppa, Ronald M. Andersen, Hans J. Grabe, Sebastian E. Baumeister

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 11/2013

Abstract

Background

Although the prevalence of mental disorders and the demand for mental health services are increasing, little is known about the impact of personality-related factors on help-seeking among depressive individuals. We, therefore, investigated the relationship between the “Big Five” personality traits, resilience, alexithymia, childhood neglect or abuse, and help-seeking among depressive individuals.

Methods

We used data from 354 persons with a diagnosis of major depression from the population-based cohort study of health in Pomerania within the theoretical framework of the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use.

Results

Using stepwise regression techniques, we found that older age, higher education, more perceived social support, presence of childhood abuse, higher levels of conscientiousness, lower levels of resilience, and more severe depression were associated with help-seeking for depression. In contrast, gender, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, neuroticism, and alexithymia did not significantly predict help-seeking. In addition, no evidence for gender-specific effects was observed.

Conclusion

Personality-related predisposing factors are important predictors of help-seeking. The influence of resilience on help-seeking among depressed individuals merits further exploration.

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Title: Personality-related factors as predictors of help-seeking for depression: a population-based study applying the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use
Authors: Georg Schomerus
Katja Appel
Peter J. Meffert
Melanie Luppa
Ronald M. Andersen
Hans J. Grabe
Sebastian E. Baumeister
Publication date: 01-11-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 11/2013
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-012-0643-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Personality-related factors as predictors of help-seeking for depression: a population-based study applying the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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