Psychological Factors That Suppress Help-Seeking among Middle-Aged and Older Adults Living Alone

Abstract

Help-seeking among destitute adults has not been adequately investigated. Therefore, this study clarifies the mechanisms that suppress help-seeking in middle-aged and older adults living alone. Data were collected from 1274 individuals (aged 50–79 years) who were living alone, using a survey that measured future time perspective, barriers to help-seeking, help-seeking intentions, and current and childhood economic statuses. Men living alone experienced lower help-seeking intention than women, were more likely to try to solve problems by themselves, and experienced greater distrust in others. No sex differences were observed in “future anxiety” and “resignation to the future.” Poor economic status was associated with high “resignation to the future,” “future anxiety,” and “distrust of others” for both sexes. “Resignation to the future” was particularly higher among men with a poorer current economic status, which suppressed help-seeking. Abandoning hope for the future, which is characteristic of middle-aged and older men living alone, may inhibit help-seeking behavior.

Mental Health Help-Seeking Attitudes in Kermanshah Older Adults

“…Mackenzie et al found that women generally have more positive mental health help-seeking attitudes (23), which could be due to cultural norms that portray men as strong and unsupportive, preventing them from expressing their struggles and failures (24). Additionally, research suggests that women tend to have stronger social relationships than men (25). Therefore, when developing mental health help-seeking attitudes promotion programs in the western region of Iran, it is essential to consider both genders.…”