DEVELOPING MEASURES TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIORS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This article provides an overview of help-seeking behaviors related to mental health among secondary school students, synthesized from multiple psychological perspectives, including health psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and positive psychology, thereby offering a multidimensional understanding of this behavior. Social and cultural factors play a prominent role in shaping help-seeking behaviors, as students tend to rely on family members and peers before seeking professional support. This tendency stems from the desire to protect privacy and avoid social stigma. The study also highlights the importance of mental health literacy and self-efficacy in the help-seeking process, indicating that interventions aimed at enhancing awareness in school settings or through digital platforms can be effective. Finally, to promote help-seeking behaviors, mental health services need to be youth-friendly, accessible, and responsive to students’ needs. The study calls for a multidimensional approach that integrates individual, social, and cultural factors to develop more effective strategies for improving students’ mental health.