Psychometric properties of the psychological help-seeking stigma scale toward occupational stress and burnout: for mental health professionals

Introduction: The stigma associated with occupational stress and burnout in mental health professionals (MHPs) is one of the major barriers to seeking psychological help in this population. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the psychological help seeking stigma scale toward occupational stress and burnout in MHPs. Method: This psychometric research was conducted on a population of counselors and psychologists in Tehran, Iran, in 2021. A total of 316 MHPs, who were selected via convenience sampling, completed the MHPSS by Clough & et al. (2020), as well as Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (1972) through Whatsapp application. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was measured to examine the internal consistency of the scale. The validity of the scale was also evaluated by calculating convergent validity and performing a confirmatory factor analysis in AMOS version 24 software. Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis revealed four factors of “structural stigma”, “self-stigma”, “perceived other stigma”, and “personal stigma”. The convergent validity of the scale with the GHQ was favorable. Regarding the reliability of the scale, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was measured to be 0.88 for the entire scale, 0.73 for structural stigma, 0.76 for self-stigma, 0.81 for perceived other stigma, and 0.85 for personal stigma. Conclusion: In this study, the validity and reliability of the MHPSS were confirmed. Overall, this tool can be used to conduct further detailed research on the MHP population due to the implicit assessment of psychological help-seeking stigma, in addition to its specific design for MHPs.