ATTITUDES TOWARDS SEEKING PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP:WHAT REALLY COUNTS FOR UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY STUDENTS?

The major focus of this study was to examine attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help in relation to some demographic variables, self-esteem, and depression. Three hundred and fifty undergraduate students enrolled at UAE University completed measures of attitudes toward seeking professional help (ASPPH), self-esteem, and depression. Demographic information was also obtained. Factor analysis of the ASPPH scale revealed three moderately internally consistent factors: 1) Confidence in Professional Help Providers, 2) Stigma Tolerance, and 3) Interpersonal Openness. Participants who were in senior years and in art-related majors showed more tolerance to stigma and more confidence in psychological help providers. High self-esteem and low depression correlated significantly with confidence in psychological help providers and stigma tolerance. Findings are discussed in the light of previous studies and the UAE culture.