A study conducted in Indonesia has revealed that young people are increasingly hesitant to seek professional mental health support, despite a growing awareness of mental health issues. The research, which examined the factors influencing help-seeking behaviour, found that social stigma, financial barriers and a lack of accessible services continue to deter young individuals from reaching out for assistance. The findings were published in the journal Humanitas: Indonesian Psychological Journal.
The study, conducted in Jember, East Java, focused on adolescents aged between 10 and 19, a group considered particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. Researchers applied the theory of planned behaviour, which evaluates attitudes, perceived social expectations and the extent to which individuals feel in control of their actions. Findings indicated that while many young people acknowledged the benefits of seeking help, external pressures and personal apprehensions often prevented them from taking action.
Social support was identified as a key factor influencing whether a young person would seek mental health assistance. The study found that parental attitudes played a significant role, with those from supportive family environments more likely to pursue professional help. Conversely, those who perceived negative attitudes towards mental health within their communities were far less inclined to seek support. Teachers and school counsellors were also found to have a strong influence, but peer pressure had a more inconsistent impact. Some adolescents reported encouragement from friends, while others expressed concerns about being judged or ridiculed for seeking help.
One of the most significant deterrents was the perceived financial cost of professional mental health services. Many participants noted that they avoided seeking help due to concerns about affordability, particularly in lower-income households where mental health support is not prioritised. The study also highlighted issues related to the availability of services, with those living in rural areas struggling to access mental health professionals. The lack of information regarding available support options further exacerbated this issue, as many young people were simply unaware of where to turn for assistance.
Researchers also found that the ability to access online mental health resources had a notable effect on help-seeking intentions. Adolescents who felt that online services were accessible and effective were more likely to consider seeking help. However, those who doubted the reliability of digital mental health support were less inclined to explore these options. This finding suggests that expanding credible online mental health resources and increasing awareness of their benefits could encourage more young people to seek assistance.
Despite the growing recognition of adolescent mental health challenges, the study concluded that significant barriers remain in place. Strengthening community support networks, increasing access to affordable mental health services and improving awareness of online resources were identified as crucial steps in addressing the reluctance of young people to seek help. Researchers emphasised the need for targeted interventions that promote positive attitudes towards mental health support while addressing financial and accessibility concerns.
