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• THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HELPING BEHAVIOR AND DEPRESSION IN YOUNG ADULTS

  7-19

  Zsuzsanna Almássy

  Dominika Somogyi

  Ágnes Szatmári

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  437

  Background: The concept of' help-seeking behaviour' has gained attention in recent years. Early adults are at risk of developing mental disorders, thus exploring and understanding the background of help-seeking delay is very important. This study focuses on help-seeking intentions among early adults. Methods: The sample of 228 participants (mean age: 22,5 years; SD=3,29) filled out the questionnaires. After answering some demographic questions, respondents filled out the shortened version of the Beck Depression Inventory, the Gotland Male Depression Scale, and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (in connection with a personal problem and family problem). Results: Women reported closer potential help providers than men. Women tend to ask for help from intimate partners more frequently than men do. Participants who reported only masculine specific symptoms - which are least likely responses to depression - showed lower rates of help-seeking intentions compared with participants with no depressive symptoms or with classic symptoms of depression.  Conclusion: Due to the fact that masculine specific symptoms are usually shown at the beginning of depressive episodes, and go hand in hand with maladaptive coping strategies, professionals have to consider how help-seeking intentions could be increased.