Exploring the impact of stigma on mental health help-seeking behaviors among individuals with disabilities

Author

Matongo, Nigel T.

Title

Exploring the impact of stigma on mental health help-seeking behaviors among individuals with disabilities

Abstract

This research analyzes how stigma affects help-seeking behavior from health services and other social services amongst people living with disabilities. Using a mixed methods design, the study obtained qualitative and quantitative data through surveys and interviews with 18 participants. The purposive sampling technique aimed at including all individuals with different forms of disabilities so as to gather diverse opinion and experience. Results demonstrated that help-seeking behavior for mental health issues was greatly influenced by public, self and institutional stigma. It was found that self-stigmatization strongly relates to avoidance coping strategies, suggesting that negative perceptions of an individual inhibit his/her help-seeking behavior. The research also noted the gaps in policies that stifle social progress, demonstrating structural impediments to healthcare. The study supports the planning of comprehensive community mental health services for people with disabilities. Also, it highlighted the necessity of creating an atmosphere of collective advocacy by forming peer support groups. Sociably, advocacy restrictions related to disability accessibility standards at mental health clinics must be removed. Trauma-informed care strategies need to be implemented to address the particular challenges of these individuals. Addressing stigma through restricted measures can lead to enhanced systemic access to mental healthcare for persons with disabilities. This study shows the growing need for the disabled people to have a multi-dimensional healthcare approach and system that is designed to accept and understand their real-life experiences.

Date

May 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Mental Health

Help-seeking Behaviors

Trauma-Informed Care

Disabilities

Self-Stigmatization

Supervisor

Mrs. Chigondo