Examining the decision to seek professional psychological help: A comparison of attribution and attitude theory in predicting help-seeking intention using the theory of reasoned action

The proficiency of attribution and attitude theories in predicting helpseeking intention for those experiencing problems of depression and adjustment was examined using the framework provided by the Theory of Reasoned Action. The intention to perform a behavior is hypothesized to be determined by two influences--the attitude toward performing the behavior and the social norm perceived from significant others about performing the behavior or not. These influences develop from a set of beliefs that an individual holds about the outcomes of performing the behavior. Any additional variables are conceptualized as external to the model and thought to influence intention indirectly, through beliefs, attitude, and/or social norm). In this study, blame for problems (an attribution) and three characteristics of the helpseeker, distress level, sex, and past counseling experience, were external variables. The factors which predicted intention and the manner in which variables influenced the decision to seek help were identified and the responses of groups expressing differential intentions were compared.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Howland, Mele Jeanne

Contributors dc:contributor

• Harmon, Lenore W.

• Psychology, Clinical
• Education, Guidance and Counseling

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1996 Howland, Mele Jeanne

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

9780591199031
AAI9712313
(UMI)AAI9712313

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/19774