IMPACT OF PERCEIVED MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA AND HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between mental health related stigma and help-seeking behavior among medical students. A cross-sectional study design was employed and the study was conducted at Faisalabad Medical University (PMC) Faisalabad, from April to August 2025. A sample of 200 MBBS students (100 males, 100 females), aged 18–25, was recruited using convenience sampling. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Stigma Scale (King et al., 2007), and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH; Fischer & Farina, 1995). Cultural orientation (collectivist vs. individualist) and self-reported academic stress were also assessed along with a demographic sheet, were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25. The results revealed a significant and negative relationship between perceived mental health stigma and help-seeking behavior among medical students, indicating that higher levels of stigma were associated with lower tendencies to seek professional psychological help. Findings also showed a significant positive association between perceived stigma and avoidance of mental health services. Additionally, results demonstrated that help-seeking behavior was positively related to openness toward counseling. Overall, Correlation and independent t-test indicated that perceived mental health stigma significantly predicted help-seeking behavior among medical students, confirming that stigma serves as a major barrier to seeking psychological support in academic medical settings. The findings of this study indicate that perceived mental health stigma plays a critical role in shaping help-seeking behavior among medical students. Students who report higher stigma are less likely to seek professional psychological support, which places them at increased risk for untreated mental health concerns. This highlights the need for stigma-reduction initiatives and supportive mental health environments within medical institutions so that students feel safe, empowered, and encouraged to seek help when needed.