The Power of Knowledge: How Mental Health Literacy Can Overcome Barriers to Seeking Help

Mental health literacy (MHL) predicts help-seeking attitudes. However, the relationship between components of MHL and help-seeking attitudes has not been thoroughly examined. This study aims to examine whether mental illness stigma, help-seeking efficacy, and maintenance of positive mental health mediated the relationship between recognition of mental disorders and help-seeking attitudes, using a meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) approach. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to gather relevant studies (111 articles with 118 independent samples), and their data (k = 185) were analyzed using MASEM. Reducing mental illness stigma or increasing help-seeking efficacy may be effective strategies for promoting help-seeking behaviors among individuals who recognize mental disorders, while the maintenance of positive mental health did not significantly mediate the relationship between recognition of mental disorders and help-seeking attitudes. These findings suggest that reducing stigma or increasing help-seeking efficacy may be an effective strategy for promoting help-seeking behaviors among individuals who can identify mental disorders. The use of MASEM in this study highlights the importance of integrating multiple studies to understand the complex relationship between MHL components and help-seeking attitudes. Public Policy Relevance Statement By examining the role of mental health literacy and attitudes toward help-seeking, this study suggests actionable strategies to promote help-seeking behaviors and enhance mental health outcomes. The findings hold significant implications for mental health professionals, policymakers, and the general public, as they provide opportunities to strengthen help-seeking efficacy and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Policymakers can leverage these findings to inform the development of targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving access to mental health services and fostering a supportive environment for individuals seeking help.