https://doi.org/10.62249/jmds.2013.2461

Conformity to Masculine Norms and Belonging as Predictors of Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior Among Filipino Young Adults

^1,2 Lowel L. Urian, and ¹ Maria Lourdes Quisumbing-Baybay

¹ Miriam College, Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines
² University of Santo Tomas, España Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila City, Philippines
Corresponding author: Lowel L. Urian, email: ll.elurian@gmail.com

This quantitative study investigated mental health help-seeking behavior among Filipino young adults, focusing on the influence of conformity to masculine norms and belonging as determinants. Recognizing that seeking mental health support is influenced by various factors, the study aimed to determine the extent to which these two distinct constructs predict the likelihood of Filipino young adults accessing mental health services. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify which of these two variables, conformity to masculine norms and belonging, emerges as the stronger predictor of mental health help-seeking behavior within the specific population. With Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, the study found that both were significant predictors of mental health help-seeking behavior. However, when individually examined, it indicated that only conformity to masculine norms was a significant predictor of the outcome variable. The results of the study can support the development of interventions addressing the problems faced by young Filipino adults against the threats of gender roles.

Keywords :   Assistance-seeking, Gender Roles, Psychological Distress, Psychological Well-being, Sense of Connection