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Description
This concept paper aims to examine the relationship between self-stigma and the attitudes towards seeking professional psychological help among students at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Mental health has become an urgent global concern, particularly among young adults navigating the academic, social, and personal pressures of university life. Despite increasing mental health awareness, a large proportion of students still hesitate to seek professional psychological assistance. Among the many barriers, self-stigma—the internalization of negative societal stereotypes about mental illness—remains one of the most persistent psychological obstacles to help-seeking. This study aims to investigate the relationship between self-stigma and attitudes towards seeking counselling help among undergraduate students at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Using a quantitative correlational design, the study applies the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH) and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH) to assess both constructs. Demographic variables such as gender, program of study, and prior experience with counselling services are also considered. The study will employ Pearson correlation and t-test analyses using SPSS to explore significant associations and differences. The findings are expected to contribute to localized literature on mental health help-seeking and guide future campus-based mental health promotion programs aimed at reducing stigma and fostering positive attitudes towards counselling.
