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Schizotypy and help‐seeking for anxiety
Author(s) -
Blanch Sheree,
Barkus Emma
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.13079
Subject(s) - schizotypy , anxiety , psychology , vignette , clinical psychology , psychological intervention , seekers , big five personality traits , psychiatry , personality , cognition , social psychology , political science , law
Abstract Background Delays in help‐seeking for anxiety are common; however, earlier interventions improve long‐term outcomes. This holds importance for high schizotypes since anxiety relates to psychotic symptom development. The study investigated whether schizotypal traits and anxiety itself influence help‐seeking behaviour. Methods A non‐clinical student sample ( N = 800) completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale and General Help‐Seeking Questionnaire, vignette version online. Results Recognizing another's help need was associated with lower anxiety scores. A trend was observed between lower schizotypy scores and better recognition of self‐need for help. Actual help‐seekers ( N = 163) had significantly higher schizotypy and anxiety scores than non‐help‐seekers. Conclusion Schizotypal traits independently contribute to delays in help‐seeking for anxiety. Approaching informal help sources whom also have anxiety symptoms can delay formal help‐seeking, unless they have sought help themselves.