Personality Factors and Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Help‪.‬

Although psychology has a long history, many people still harbor misconceptions about mental illness. Those with mental health problems often are regarded as inferior, incompetent, responsible for their own symptoms, dangerous, and a threat to society (Corrigan, 2004; Levey & Howells, 1994; Morrison, de Man, & Drumheller, 1993; Rousseau & de Man, 1998). These negative views are common, notwithstanding the fact that a considerable proportion of the population suffers from some form of mental illness at least once during their lives (CPA, 2006). Individuals who contemplate getting professional psychological help are confronted with similar attitudes. Clients of mental health professionals are often regarded unfavorably by others and subjected to stigmatization. This may deter some who are in need of help from voluntarily seeking professional assistance. Indeed, some people resist professional aid during a personal crisis. They may view help-seeking as a sign of personal weakness or failure and would feel ashamed if they had to admit that they were in therapy. Others, on the other hand, seek help willingly when faced with psychological discomfort and openly admit to this (Fisher & Turner, 1970).