Self-concealment, Perceived Social Support and Mental Help-Seeking Behavior among Emerging and Middle-aged adults

Self-concealment and perceived social support are known influencers of psychological help-seeking and it is essential to examine how these variables interact across age groups. The study aimed to compare emerging and middle-aged adults on self-concealment, perceived social support, and mental help-seeking behavior and the mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between the variables within each age group. The participants consisted of 205 individuals, viz., 102 emerging adults and 103 middle aged adults. Participants completed three standardized scales which assessed Self-concealment, Perceived social support and Mental help-seeking behavior. Data analysis revealed that self-concealment showed a negative correlation with perceived social support in both groups. In middle-aged adults, it was negatively linked to help-seeking, with perceived social support significantly mediating this relationship—an effect not observed in emerging adults. Perceived social support emerged as a key mediating factor between self concealment and help-seeking behavior in middle-aged adults but not in emerging adults. These findings emphasize the need of social support, especially for older people, and the significance of age-specific strategies when encouraging people to seek mental health treatment.