Self-construal and behavioral motivation systems among patients with depression in Indonesia: A hospital-based study

The differential influence of self-construal on the effect of self-efficacy on the help-seeking process: A quasi-experimental online study among people with untreated depressive symptoms

BACKGROUND

Despite available professional healthcare, people often delay or avoid help-seeking. Understanding the underlying reasons is crucial and research has explored the role of self-efficacy in this context. Additionally, studies have highlighted the significance of culturally influenced self-construals in individuals' health behaviour. There seems to be a relationship between self-efficacy and self-construal. The aim of the study is to explore the influence of self-efficacy on help-seeking, considering self-construal as a moderator. Differential experiences of self-efficacy and varying associations among help-seeking variables based on self-construal are posited.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental online study is conducted with a baseline assessment, including self-efficacy interventions, and follow-ups at three and six months. Self-construal groups are compared, i.e., independent vs. interdependent individuals. A series of multi-group path analyses are conducted to examine potential variations in the interventional effects and among the help-seeking variables respective of help-seeking instance, i.e. professional mental health care or informal care. Self-construal functions as the global moderator.

RESULTS

The study included N = 1'368 participants, 65.6 % identifying as female and an average age of 42.38 (SD = 15.22). More independent compared to more interdependent individuals were older, more frequently identified as male, had higher socioeconomic status, fewer depressive symptoms, and greater self-efficacy. Multi-group path analyses for professional mental health care (CFI = 0.992, RMSEA = 0.018, SRMR = 0.004) and informal help (CFI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.004, SRMR = 0.006) demonstrated excellent model fits. The analysis for informal help was interpretable, as the unconstrained model had a significantly better fit than the constrained model. There were varying associations among help-seeking variables based on self-construals. The intervention effect was differential, with independent participants benefiting significantly (β = 0.203), while the effect was non-significant for interdependent participants.

DISCUSSION

The study's findings, strengths, and limitations are discussed in relation to current research. Results indicate differential experiences of self-efficacy interventions based on individuals' self-construal. Moreover, varying associations among help-seeking variables suggest self-construal-based differences in their interrelationships. These findings highlight the importance of considering self-construal in health related research.

Cultural collectivism, intimate partner violence, and women's mental health: An analysis of data from 151 countries

Culture, defined as the distinctive, learned beliefs and patterns of behavior that are particular to a given group or community, is a key determinant of mental health. The cultural dimension of individualism-collectivism, which measures the extent to which a given society accords importance to individuals as opposed to larger groups, has been associated with cross-national variations in mental health outcomes such as depression and suicide. However, this cultural dimension is also associated with variations in the frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV), which has a significant and sustained adverse impact on women's mental health. This study examines the relationships between individualism-collectivism, the frequency of IPV, and rates of depression and suicide in women, based on data from 151 countries. In this data set, IPV was significantly associated with age-standardized rates of depression and suicide in women, even after adjusting for demographic variables. Cultural collectivism was positively correlated with IPV, but this relationship was significantly influenced by national income and women's educational attainment. In multivariate analyses, IPV, but not cultural collectivism, remained significantly associated with depression in women. These results highlight the importance of screening for and addressing IPV in women seeking mental health care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cultural and economic factors may both increase the risk of IPV and delay or impede its reporting.