DECODING THE STIGMA-CONSULTATION AXIS: GENDER, AGE, AND EDUCATION AS PREDICTORS OF ISMI-29 AND PROFESSIONAL HELP-SEEKING (ATSPPH-SF) IN INDIA

Malvika Joshi; Dr. Fatima Shanawaz; Dr. Fouzia A. Shaikh

doi:10.69980/j58ks696

Authors

Malvika Joshi Ph.D. Scholar at AIBAS, Amity University Gurugaon, Amity Education Valley, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana 122413
Dr. Fatima Shanawaz Assistant Professor, AIBAS, Amity University Gurugaon, Amity Education Valley, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana 122413
Dr. Fouzia A. Shaikh Associate Professor School of Liberal Arts at IILM University, Greater Noida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69980/j58ks696

Keywords:

Stigma, help-seeking behaviour, mental health, mental illness

Abstract

Mental health challenges have been exacerbated over time in the post covid era and with the increase in smartphone dependency, social media identity crises, gaming addiction, and emerging digital phenomena like AI-induced distress, which collectively heighten psychological vulnerability and suicide risk. In India, epidemiological research demonstrates a wide variation in psychiatric morbidity. Despite this these high-risk individuals frequently exhibit a reluctance to consult mental health professionals. This paper investigates the relationship between mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviors among Indian adults, while examining the mediating influences of gender, age, educational attainment, and prior exposure to mental health concerns. This paper empirically evaluates the reluctance to seek mental health services in India. A quantitative survey design was conducted with a sample of 250 adults (18–50 years) across the Delhi-NCR region. Following ethical clearance and informed consent, participants completed standardised evaluations using the ISMI-29 and ATSPPH-SF alongside a detailed demographic profile capturing age, gender and educational attainment. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results confirmed a significant main effect, demonstrating that internalised stigma accounts for substantial variance in professional consultation inclinations. Educational attainment emerged as a fundamental dismantling mechanism against public stigma, whereas age and economic resources moderated the internalization of cultural shame and self-stigma.

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