Contextualizing Help-Seeking Attitudes and Help-Seeking Intention: The Role of Superwoman Schema among Black College Women

Abstract

Black women are less likely to seek psychological help and underutilize mental health services. Although help-seeking attitudes and intentions are associated in the general population, less is known about this relationship among Black women in college. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the relationship between help-seeking attitudes and intention among 167 self-identified Black women in college. We also investigated if dimensions of the Superwoman Schema (i.e., an obligation to display strength, resistance to being vulnerable, an obligation to suppress emotions, an intense motivation to succeed despite limited resources, and an obligation to help others) moderated this relationship. Findings indicated a significant positive relationship between help-seeking attitudes and help-seeking intention. Regarding moderation, an obligation to suppress emotions, resistance to vulnerability, and an obligation to help others interacted with help-seeking attitudes in predicting help-seeking intention. Notably, low adherence to an obligation to suppress emotions, resistance to vulnerability, and an obligation to help others were associated with high levels of help-seeking intention. However, more favorable help-seeking attitudes improved help-seeking intention for participants high in adherence to these dimensions. Our findings suggest that understanding the relevance of the Superwoman Schema among Black women is critical for increasing help-seeking behavior.