Initial validation of the help-seeker stereotype scale in a Chinese cultural context: A bifactor model

This study aimed to validate a measure of negative help-seeker stereotype agreement (Help-Seeker Stereotype Scale, HSSS) in a Chinese Cultural Context. A series of questionnaires was completed by 603 Chinese college students, including the HSSS, the Stigma Scale of Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH), and the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH). The factor structure, measurement invariance, internal consistency and convergent validity were assessed. The results showed that a bifactor model fitted the HSSS best and was invariant across genders. As the general factor influenced the group factors strongly, the construct measured by this scale was rather unidimensional than multidimensional. While the total score demonstrated adequate internal consistency, the reliabilities of the two dimensions were unacceptable, suggesting that the use of observed dimensional score should be discouraged. Moreover, the HSSS total score correlated significantly with the SSRPH and SSOSH in an expected pattern, providing convergent evidence of validity. Overall, the HSSS is a promising instrument for future self-stigma related research and practice in China.