Abstract

Stigma surrounding mental health problems significantly hinders help-seeking intentions among young adults. Implicit bias and self-stigma are well-documented barriers to seeking help. However, a comprehensive model that integrates both implicit and self-stigma on help-seeking intentions has yet to be tested. In this study, we examined the impact of implicit stigma toward depression on help-seeking intentions among young adults, accounting for the mediating role of self-stigma toward depression. A sample of 101 participants (76.2% women) aged 18-24 (M = 21.47, SD = 1.69) completed questionnaires evaluating self-stigma and help-seeking intention. Participants also completed the Implicit Association Test to assess implicit stigma. We used structural equation modeling to analyze the data, controlling for age and gender. The model with mediation effects exhibited an adequate fit to the data. The results identified that implicit stigma was significantly associated with greater self-stigma (B = 0.54, p < .001), which in turn was associated with lower help-seeking intentions (B = -0.55, p < .001). Additionally, the association of implicit stigma on help-seeking intention through self-stigma was significant (indirect effect = -0.30, p = .002). These findings indicate that implicit stigma can operate as a mechanism through which societal stigma is internalized by young adults, leading to self-stigmatization and acting as a barrier to seeking help. Addressing both implicit and self-stigma through targeted interventions could mitigate these barriers and promote a more supportive environment for mental health help-seeking.