Public stigma and attitudes toward psychological help-seeking in the United Arab Emirates: The mediational role of self-stigma

Purpose: Scholars argue that public stigma is predictive of self-stigma, and self-stigma is a primary predictor of attitudes toward seeking psychological help (ATPH). This assertion remains undetermined outside of the United States. This study examines a potential mediational model in which internalized stigma was hypothesized to mediate the relationship between public stigma and ATPH using a sample in the United Arab Emirates. Design and methods: Cross-sectional, correlational design; 114 students completed measures of public stigma, self-stigma, and ATPH. Findings: Full mediation occurred. The sample exhibited high levels of both public stigma and self-stigma. Psychology students manifested diminished levels of stigma and more favorable ATPH. Results are discussed in relation to the prevalent cultural and contextual factors. Practice implications: Stigma reduction campaigns in this locale should target internalized stigma and its associated socio-cultural nuances.