Perception of stigma and attitudes toward seeking psychological help among nurses working in a rehabilitation hospital

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes toward seeking psychological help and associated stigma among nurses at a physical therapy and rehabilitation hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye.
METHODS: The study sample consisted of 160 nurses working at a single hospital in April-August 2019. The data were collected using a descriptive characteristics questionnaire, the Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF), and the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH).
RESULTS: In the group, 18.8% of the nurses reported that they had received professional psychological support, and 28.8% stated that they would hide it from their friends if they received psychological support. The mean SSRPH score was 10.51±1.9 and the mean ATSPPH-SF score was 27.46±2.92. A weak negative relationship was observed between the scale scores (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The nurses who expressed a stronger view of stigma attached to psychological care expressed a more negative view about seeking psychological help. Additional efforts to raise awareness of the benefits of mental health care among and by healthcare staff could help to reduce the stigma and ensure better quality of life.