| Abstract: | Based on an attribution theory analysis, it was predicted that normal Ss (those who do not evidence a particular target problem) would be least motivated to seek help for a psychological problem when they believe that the problem is actuarially common (i.e., high consensus). Based on an analysis of how target problem people evaluate their psychological problem, however, it was predicted that such Ss (unlike normals) should be maximally motivated to seek help when they believe that the problem is common. To test these predictions, target problem and normal Ss (72 high vs average test anxious female undergraduates, as assessed by the Test Anxiety Inventory) were given feedback that they possessed a problem (test anxiety). Ss were then told that their problem was either common, uncommon, or given no consensus information. As predicted, the higher consensus information led to the least help-seeking behavior for the normal Ss and to the most help-seeking behavior for the target problem Ss. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
