A Study of the Relationship Between Perceived Mental Health Stigma and Barriers to Accessing Professional Mental Health Care Among Corporate Employees

Among the 85 employed adults in this study, perceived mental health stigma was positively associated with total barriers to professional care, treatment-stigma barriers and non-stigma barriers. It also explained additional variance in barriers after demographic variables and practical barriers were considered. Wanting to solve problems independently was the most strongly endorsed barrier, while concern about career harm was the highest-rated stigma-related barrier. The findings support workplace approaches that combine stigma reduction, confidentiality assurance, visible access pathways and practical support. The results are correlational and should be confirmed in larger and more representative samples.

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