Effects of Sekentei on seeking psychological help in Japan: The interaction effects of moderating factors based on the theory of reasoned action

The underutilization of mental health services is severe in Japan, where people always try to conform to social norms and avoid shame. This tendency is called “Sekentei”. The present study investigated the effects of Sekentei on help-seeking intention toward psychological services and the interaction effects of moderating factors. A questionnaire was distributed to 273 undergraduates in Japan. A factor analysis showed that help-seeking intention was constructed from “help needs” and “seeking help without hesitation”, and “Sekentei” had significant negative effects on both of these factors. A four-way ANOVA with “help needs” as the dependent variable showed significant threeway interactions for “Sekentei” × “positive impressions of counseling” × “subjective norms of friends”, and “Sekentei” × “subjective norms of family” × “subjective norms of friends”. In addition, the threeway interaction effect for “Sekentei” × “subjective norms of family” × “subjective norms of friends” on “seeking help without hesitation” was significant. These results showed the importance of the moderating factors. In particular, “subjective norms” may be a key to promoting psychological helpseeking in people with high concern for Sekentei.