ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIORS IN ADOLESCENT STUDENTS: A METHODOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective:This study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the XXXX Version of the Attitudes Towards Seeking Psychological Help Scale - Short Form (SPHS-S) in the XXXX Adolescent Group Students population.Method: This study is in descriptive, correlational and methodological design. The sample of the study consisted of 287 volunteer students studying in a total of six schools in İzmir. SPHS-S were used as data collection tools. Data were evaluated with content validity index (CGI), exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's Alpha coefficient.Results: Factor loadings explained 58% of the total variance in the two sub-dimensions. The KMO value was determined as .93, and the sample was found to be sufficient. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the entire scale was determined as.91. The alpha values of the sub-dimensions were determined as .94 and .84, respectively. In both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, all factor loads are greater than 0.30. In the confirmatory factor analysis, all fit indices were found to be more than 0.80 and the RMSEA value was determined as 0.077.Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that it is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used in the evaluation of adolescents' attitudes towards seeking psychological help. This study will be a guide in protective and preventive mental health studies for researchers and school nurses working with students.