Culturally Mediated Mental Health Stigma And Help-Seeking Behavior Among Youth In An Under-Researched Rural Area In Northern Philippines

Abstract

Mental health is a human right and should be accessible with equity to prevent stigma. However, it was ignored, hindering help-seeking. Youth are vulnerable to sociocultural and community influences on help-seeking. In the highland Northern Philippines, understanding of cultural values guides the provision of interventions to challenges within the context in support of cultural sensitivity.

The mixed-method design was used in this study. A researcher-made self-report survey tool was administered to 600 secondary learners and college students, while 40 participants were selected for Key Informant interviews. High school learners reported higher stigma (4.67) and moderate help-seeking behavior (4.24) than college students, with stigma of 3.69 and 3.19 for help-seeking. Groups differed significantly, t(298) = –18.30, p = .001. Four cultural themes: Kasiyana, Natibker, Kababain, and socio-geographic exposure impacted stigma and help-seeking, leading to the development of the GAWIS Framework Model.

Therefore, integrating this model into schools ensures that stigma-reducing interventions, collaboration with educational institutions, Local Government Units, and communities, are anchored in indigenous values. A possibility for policy that builds capacity, integrates services, expands access, and sustains youth-friendly, community-engaged, and evaluated mental health programs.