Previous research has demonstrated that men who hold particualr attitudes, such as self-reliance and emotional silence, are less likely to have positive help-seeking attitudes and intentions (Wendt, & Shafer, 2015). This means they are less likely to seek formal (e.g. psychologist) or informal (e.g. friend) help when they are experiencing psychological distress, such as depression or stress. 

While this body of research examining the effect of attitudes on men's help-seeking intentions is well established, there has been limited research exploring if there is an association between these attitudes and help-seeking attitudes and intentions among women. With gender equality has come the blurring of gender lines and arguably less gendered attitudes. As such, women (like men) may also endorse these attitudes to a greater or lesser extent and they therefore may also be a barrier to help-seeking in females. Mental health prevention programs that target these types of attitudes (e.g., self-reliance) tend to focus exclusively on men. However, there may be value and efficiency in targeting both genders with this messaging if an association was also found in women. This could provide a more effective prevention and treatment methods for the general population who are not seeking help.  

The aim of this study therefore is to explore the association between certain attitudes (e.g., winning, emotional control, risk-taking, and importance of work) and help-seeking attitudes and intentions in women, and whether particular factors (e.g., work, culture and gender) impact the likelihood of a woman holding these attitudes. We are inviting the general Australian female population to participate in this important research, which will consist of a brief 20-minute online survey exploring these factors. 

Does this study have ethics approval?

If you have any concerns or complaints about how this research has been conducted, please contact:

Ethics Manager, The ANU Human Research Ethics Committee
The Australian National University
Telephone: +61 2 6125 3427
Email: Human.Ethics.Officer@anu.edu.au

How can I obtain information about the results of the study?

Findings from the study will be posted here on the study website after the surveys are returned and the results are collated.

Why should I participate in this study?

This project will provide a new understanding of the relationship between stereotypical male attitudes and help-seeking attitudes and intentions in women. It will also identify if particular social identities are associated with greater endorsement of male stereotypical attitudes among women. This research may assist in better understanding barriers to help-seeking in females and support the development of public health campaign targeting these attitudes in males and females.

What should I do if I am feeling distressed?

If you experience distress whilst completing this survey, please do not continue and contact your local general practitioner or one of the services below for help:

Lifeline 

Crisis support and suicide prevention service.

Telephone (24hrs): 13 11 14
Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue

Information and support for mental health problems like depression, anxietyand suicide.

Telephone (24hrs): 1300 22 4636
Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service 

Telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide.

Telephone (24hrs): 1300 659 467
Website: https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

Who is running the study?

If you have any queries about the project, please contact:

Primary Investigator
Sarah Brocklehurst
Research School of Psychology
The Australian National University
u628101@anu.edu.au

Supervisor
Prof Alison Calear
Centre for Mental Health Research
The Australian National University
alison.calear@anu.edu.au