Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior in Early Adulthood Urban Males

Abstract

Early adulthood male is one of the groups that rarely consult about their mental health conditions. Within the masculine culture, male is expected to be though and strong, so that forbidden for complain and seeking help. This study aims to describe mental health help-seeking behavior among early adulthood males, and factors that influence that behavior. This study uses a qualitative phenomenological approach with content analysis as the data analysis techniques, and uses triangulation techniques to validate interview data. The subjects in this study were three males who met the research criteria aged 22, 23, and 26 years old living scattered throughout urban Indonesia (Sleman, Mataram, and Jakarta). The data collection methods were semi-structured interviews and general observations through an online platform, as well as a document that screenshots from the subject. The results showed that there were five themes which described stages of the mental health help-seeking behavior phenomenon. First, male realize that they have problems. Second, male seek information about their condition through the internet. Third, male have a priority level in seeking help. Fourth, male visit mental health services. Fifth, male develop good coping mechanisms. Meanwhile, the factor that influences mental health help-seeking behavior in early adulthood male is self-awareness that they need help. The conclusion is that early adulthood male tends to went through stages before finally seek for professional help from mental health practitioners. One factor was identified as influencing that help seeking pattern.