Factors influencing the psychological help-seeking behaviour of migrant older adults in China: a cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study explores why migrant older adults in China are not seeking professional psychological help despite experiencing mental health issues.

Contribution

The study identifies specific factors influencing help-seeking behavior among migrant older adults using the COM-B model.

Findings

42.32% of participants reported psychological distress, but only 11.11% sought professional help.

Factors like mental health literacy and perceived social support significantly influence help-seeking behavior.

Targeted interventions are needed to address structural barriers and improve help-seeking behavior in this population.

Abstract

Psychological help-seeking behaviour is a key determinant of mental health outcomes. However, studies on psychological help-seeking behaviour that focus on older adults are very limited, especially for migrant older adults. Identifying contributing factors could inform tailored interventions to enhance help-seeking behaviour amongst this vulnerable population. This study aimed to explore the current status and influencing factors of psychological help-seeking behaviour amongst migrant older adults under the guidance of the COM-B model.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 345 migrant older adults from Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, and the participants were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ), Actual Help-Seeking Questionnaire (AHSQ), Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale–Short Form (ATSPPH-SF), Questionnaire of Stigma for Seeking Professional Psychological Help (SSPPH), Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS), and Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS).

The analysis found that 146 participants (42.32%) reported psychological distress, of whom 99 (67.81%) sought help, whereas only 11 (11.11%) used professional services, highlighting the markedly low utilisation of professional psychological support. Multiple linear regression revealed that sex, reemployment/volunteering, psychological distress, mental health literacy, perceived social support and the intention to seek nonprofessional help were significantly associated with nonprofessional help seeking. Psychological distress, mental health literacy and the intention to seek professional help were associated with professional help seeking.

A substantial proportion of migrant older adults experiencing psychological distress did not seek professional help, revealing gaps in help-seeking behaviour. This study highlights that targeted interventions should be developed to reduce structural barriers and enhance the help-seeking motivation, opportunity and capacity of older migrant adults.