C. Lalfakzuali
Mizoram University, Mizoram
Pages: 282-291
The present study explored beliefs toward mental illness and self-stigma in relation to
attitudes toward seeking psychological help among young adults in Mizoram. A sample
of 300 participants (150 males and 150 females; 75 from rural and 75 from urban
areas), aged between 18 and 30 years, was selected. A 2×2 factorial design was used
to examine the independent and interaction effects of gender and ecology on the
psychological variables. Standardized instruments such as the Beliefs Toward Mental
Illness Scale (BMI), Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH), and the Attitudes
Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale–Short Form (ATSPPH-SF) were
administered. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including ANOVA, correlation, and
linear regression, were used to analyse the data. Results revealed significant relationships
between the variables and indicated that negative beliefs toward mental illness self
stigma, and significantly predicted help-seeking attitudes. The findings highlight the
importance of addressing stigma in mental health promotion efforts among young adults
in Mizoram