Relationship Between Orientation to Mental Illness and Help Seeking Behaviour Among Primary Caregivers of Patients with Psychosis

DOI

https://www.doi.org/10.59256/ijrtmr.20260603026 c

Published In

Volume 6, Issue 3 (2026)

Published Online

May-June 2026

Pages

218-221

Article Type

Original Article

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Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, and delusional disorders profoundly impact not only the affected individuals but also their primary caregivers. These caregivers play a crucial role in treatment adherence, emotional support, and daily functioning. This paper explores the influence of caregiver orientation—comprising knowledge, perceptions and beliefs, —on help-seeking behaviours for individuals with psychosis. A sample of 126 primary caregivers was selected through purposive sampling from in-patient and out-patients of psychiatric hospitals in Shimoga. Orientation to Mental Illness Scale (OMI) was used to assess the knowledge, and beliefs about mental illness; and the Attitude Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS) was used to assess the help seeking behaviour. Descriptive statistics Chi square and Pearson product- moment correlation was applied to analyse the data and to study the relation between orientation to mental illness and help seeking behaviour. Results found that caregivers who had good orientation toward mental illness— marked by accurate knowledge, empathetic attitudes, and trust in mental health systems—were more likely to engage in proactive help-seeking behaviours. In contrast, those who harboured misconceptions, internalized stigma, or experienced high levels of emotional distress were less inclined to seek timely professional support. The study highlighted that psychoeducation, caregiver support programs, and culturally sensitive mental health initiatives significantly enhanced help-seeking behaviours by improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and equipping caregivers with coping strategies and resource navigation skills