The Self-Stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH) Scale: Measurement Invariance Across Men from Different Backgrounds

Abstract

The present study examined the measurement invariance and latent mean differences of three versions of the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help scale among demographic profiles of men. Results revealed strong invariance for the three scales across all demographic groups. Differences in strict invariance and latent mean differences were identified. Public significance: The Self Stigma of Seeking Help scale has widely been used to investigate barriers and pathways men experience when seeking professional psychological help. The present paper reports results that show that a range of groups of men (based on their race/ethnic group, sexuality, and age cohort) understand the scale in the same way, and thus the scale can be used to compare their scores.

Keywords:

• Men
• self-stigma
• measurement invariance
• race
• sexuality
• age cohort

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carlos A. Vidales

Carlos A. Vidales is a Doctoral Candidate in the Counseling Psychology Department at Iowa State University.

David L. Vogel

David L. Vogel is a Professor and Associate Department Chair in the Department of Psychology, and Director of Communication Studies Program at Iowa State University.

Ronald F. Levant

Ronald F. Levant is a Professor Emeritus of Psychology at The University of Akron.