NCJ Number
196311
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: 2001 Pages: 49-61
Date Published
2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether individuals seek help from mental health professionals, whether individuals seek help from counselors, and whether a short form of the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS) is a valid and useful way to measure inmates' helpseeking attitudes.
Abstract
The study assessed the relative impact of components of treatment fearfulness and psychological distress on helpseeking attitudes. Male inmates (N=173) have ATSPPHS scores similar to other male samples. Sigma-related treatment fears and psychological distress are significant unique predictors of attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. The study supported the potential utility of a shortened form of the ATSPPHS. The study also highlighted the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of specific groups (such as offenders) and environments (such as prisons), and how these factors might influence helpseeking attitudes. Within the prison environment, stigma concerns appear to be a key factor in determining inmates' attitudes, but research has yet to determine whether such concerns contribute to treatment avoidance. The study suggests development of interventions that encourage appropriate helpseeking among prison inmates with the aim of reducing levels of psychological distress and potential reoffending. Tables, references