A Qualitative Inquiry on the Active Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior of Filipino Young Adults

  • Camille Vidon De Leon College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Bataan Peninsula State University, Philippines
Keywords: Filipino Mental Health; Active Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior; Phenomenology; Psychological Treatment

Abstract

Mental health care is a basic necessity which directly influences a person’s quality of life. It also depends on the help-seeking behavior of an individual. Although awareness and services were continuously advocated, studies determining the direct impact and facilitative factors of active mental health help-seeking behavior among individuals from diverse cultural contexts is still limited. This study delved into the active mental health help-seeking behavior of eight (8) Filipino young adults who have undergone formal psychological services. Their lived experiences were captured with the use of a validated semi-structured interview tool and were analyzed with the use of an interpretative phenomenological analysis lens.  Findings showed four superordinate themes: facilitative factors were identified through gaining self-discovery and acceptance; having a support system; finding the right therapist; and struggles outweighing mental health relevant to the socially rooted barriers and impose a challenge in the help-seeking of the selected participants via disbelief; stigma and complexity of treatment and financial burdens. These provide an overview of the psychological gains from an active help-seeking behavior and how one overcomes barriers to mental health in today’s generation. This research may serve as a basis in recommending a community-based mental health intervention that will focus on strengthening the coping resources of Filipinos in addressing their mental health concerns.

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Published
2025-04-03
How to Cite
De Leon, C. (2025). A Qualitative Inquiry on the Active Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior of Filipino Young Adults. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 8(4), 52-64. https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v8i4.2604