The Effect of Indirect Interpersonal Exposure to Counseling on Willingness through Attitudes

Abstract

The present study examined whether attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help partially mediated the relationship between the frequency and valence of Asian Americans’ indirect interpersonal exposure to counseling and willingness to see a counselor. Statistically significant indirect effects were found. An exploratory factor analysis revealed that indirect interpersonal exposure to counseling through family members and friends emerged as two distinct factors. Partial mediation was found only for the frequency of indirect interpersonal exposure to counseling through family members on willingness to see a counselor (personal, academic/career, health problems) through attitudes. Using hierarchical linear regression, this study examined whether collectivism moderated the relationship between the frequency and valence of indirect interpersonal exposure to counseling on attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. Moderation was not found. Collectivism and conformity to norms did not moderate the relationship between indirect interpersonal exposure to counseling through family members and friends on attitudes.