The role of self-reliance and denial in the help-seeking process for eating disorders among university students

IF 4.3 3区材料科学 Q1 ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ACS Applied Electronic Materials Pub Date : 2023-12-11 DOI:10.1002/erv.3052

Esme Fabry, Daniel B. Fassnacht, Rachael Ford, Nicholas R. Burns, Anne E. O'Shea, Kathina Ali

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Abstract

Objective

This study investigated how self-reliance and denial influence the relationship between help-seeking attitudes and behaviour.

Method

Australian university students (N = 406) completed an online survey and females with elevated eating disorder (ED) concerns and high impairment were included in the study (N = 137). Participants completed measures of help-seeking attitudes, perceived barriers, and actual help-seeking behaviour. Via moderated logistic regression, we examined self-reliance and denial as perceived barriers to help-seeking.

Results

Of the total sample, over 33.7% of university students reported substantial ED concerns and impairment of whom 65.0% believed they needed help. While a majority reported that help-seeking would be useful (85.4%), only a minority of participants had sought professional help for their concerns (38.7%). Self-reliance and denial were frequently endorsed barriers and moderated the relationship between help-seeking attitudes and behaviours.

Conclusion

ED concerns are common among university students and perceived barriers play a moderating role between attitudes and help-seeking. Future prevention and early intervention programs should address students' denial, while the importance of reaching out for professional help (rather than relying on themselves) could be highlighted with peer support.

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