Personality-related factors as predictors of help-seeking for depression: A population-based study applying the Behavioral Model of Health Services Use

Background: Although the prevalence of mental disorders and the demand for mental health services are increasing, little is known about the impact of personality related factors on help-seeking among depressive individuals. We therefore investigated the relationship between the „Big Five” personality traits, resilience, alexithymia, childhood neglect or abuse and help-seeking among depressive individuals, Methods: We used data from 354 persons with a diagnosis of major depression from the population-based cohort Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) within the theoretical framework of the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Results: We found that older age, higher education, more perceived social support, presence of childhood abuse, higher levels of conscientiousness, lower levels of resilience and more severe depression were associated with help-seeking for depression. In contrast, gender, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, neuroticism, and alexithymia did not significantly predict of help-seeking. In addition, no evidence for gender-specific effects was observed. Conclusion: Personality-related predisposing factors are important predictors of help-seeking. The strong influence of resilience on help-seeking among depressed individuals merits further exploration.