The Mediating Role of Self-stigma of Seeking Help in the Relationship between Perceived Occupational Prestige and Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study on Medical Doctors

Abstract

Based on social identity theory, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of perceived occupational prestige and self-stigma of seeking help on mental health issues (depression, stress, and anxiety) among medical doctors. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted on 374 medical doctors working in Vietnam with convenient sampling strategies. The study employed the 22-item version of the Perception of Occupational Status Survey (POSS), the Self-stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH), and the 21-item version of the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results showed that perceived occupational prestige had a negative association with mental health issues among medical doctors. Furthermore, results suggested that the relationship between perceived occupational prestige and mental health was mediated by self-stigma of seeking help. Self-stigma of seeking help increased the risk of mental health issues. However, medical doctors perceived high occupational prestige, which weakened self-stigma of seeking help, and therefore, it indirectly reduces the risk of mental health issues among medical doctors. The results hence provide empirical support for social identity hypothesis. Based on the results, the study also provides some practical suggestions for therapists working with healthcare professionals in intervening mental health issues.