Developing a model of attitudes toward receiving professional psychological services based on stigma, self-stigma, and psychological distress with wisdom moderation and mental health literacy in children of veterans

Mirhashemi Rooteh, Mahdieh Sadat; Hassanvand, Fazlollah

Developing a model of attitudes toward receiving professional psychological services based on stigma, self-stigma, and psychological distress with wisdom moderation and mental health literacy in children of veterans

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mahdieh Sadat Mirhashemi Rooteh ¹

Fazlollah Hassanvand ²

¹ Islamic Revolution Comprehensive University

² Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Iranian-Islamic Lifestyle, Islamic Revolution University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Self-stigmatization is one of the most significant barriers to receiving psychological services, and children of war veterans are particularly vulnerable due to their unique psychosocial conditions, which can weaken their attitudes toward professional help. This study aimed to examine a model of these children’s attitudes toward receiving psychological services based on stigma, self-stigma, and psychological distress, with the moderating roles of wisdom and mental health literacy. The research was descriptive-correlational and utilized structural equation modeling, with data collected via standardized questionnaires. The population consisted of children of war veterans, and the sample was selected purposively. Findings indicated that social stigma and self-stigma had a significant negative effect on attitudes toward receiving psychological services, and psychological distress intensified this relationship. Wisdom and mental health literacy acted as moderators, reducing the negative effects of stigma and distress and fostering more positive attitudes. Therefore, enhancing wisdom and mental health literacy among children of war veterans is crucial and can improve their attitudes toward psychological help; accordingly, educational and psychological interventions should focus on reducing stigma and distress while promoting wisdom and mental health literacy.

Keywords

Attitudes toward psychological help-seeking

Mental health literacy

Psychological distress

Self-stigma

Social stigma

Subjects