Perceived Need, Mental Health Literacy, Neuroticism and Self- Stigma Predict Mental Health Service Use Among Older Adults.

Abstract

Objectives: Older adults are the least likely age group to seek mental health services. However, few studies have explored a comprehensive range of sociodemographic, psychological, and social barriers and facilitators to seeking treatment in later life.

Methods: A cross-sectional, national sample of Canadian older adults (55+, N = 2,745) completed an online survey including reliable and valid measures of predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics, based on Andersen's behavioral model of health, as well as self-reported use of mental health services. Univariate and hierarchical logistic regressions predicted past 5-year mental health service use.

Results: Mental health service use was most strongly and consistently associated with greater perceived need (OR = 11.48) and mental health literacy (OR = 2.16). Less self-stigma of seeking help (OR = .65) and greater neuroticism (OR = 1.57) also predicted help-seeking in our final model, although their effects were not as strong or consistent across gender, marital status, and age subgroups.

Conclusions: The need category was crucial to seeking help, but predisposing psychological factors were also significant barriers to treatment.

Clinical implications: Interventions that target older adults high in neuroticism by improving perceptions of need for treatment, mental health literacy, and self-stigma of seeking help may be particularly effective ways of improving access to mental health services.