The role of self-stigma in mediating the association between externalizing and treatment-seeking intention.

Introduction: Self-stigma occurs when an individual internalizes and accepts the stereotypes and negative views of mental illness endorsed by the public. High levels of self-stigma negatively predict treatment-seeking intention, but little work has examined how self-stigma functions specifically among individuals with tendencies toward impulsivity. Methods: The current study implemented structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate whether self-stigma as operationalized by the MHSIS model mediated the relationship between externalizing proneness and the intention to seek mental health treatment. Data were collected from community participants ( Results: Externalizing was weakly negatively associated with the intention to seek treatment. Externalizing proneness was associated with higher levels of self-stigma, particularly at the later stages (i.e., application); however, self-stigma did not appear to mediate the association between externalizing and reduced treatment seeking intention. Discussion: This study informs how self-stigma exists across the externalizing spectrum and may serve as a transdiagnostic target for intervention.