The Role of Cultural Identity and Media Use at Influencing Intentions to Seek Mental Health Information Among Chinese Adults

• In Event: Mental Health and Depression

Abstract

Mental health is a stigmatized issue in many parts of the world. We conducted a survey of Chinese adults (n=776) to examine predictors of intentions to seek information related to mental health. Attitudes and subjective norms positively influenced intentions to seek mental health information, with subjective norms being a stronger predictor. Cultural identity was negatively associated with intentions to seek mental health information, and media use was positively associated with intentions to seek information. This research highlights that cultural identity should be taken into consideration when it comes to a specific health topic, and that health campaigns could focus more on influencing subjective norms, thereby changing the seeking intention of Chinese adults regarding mental health information.

Authors

• Zhaomeng Niu, Washington State University

• Jessica Fitts Willoughby, Washington State U