Trauma-Related Cognitions, Spiritual Bypass, and Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior among University Students

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between trauma-related cognitions and mental health help-seeking behavior among university students in Islamabad, focusing on the mediating role of spiritual bypass. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework guides this exploration, highlighting the impact of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on help-seeking intentions. Using a sample of 393 students, we administered the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Trauma-Related Cognitions Scale (TRCS), Spiritual Bypass Scale (SBS), and Mental Health Help-Seeking Intentions Scale (MHSIS). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and mediation analyses via Hayes' PROCESS macro were conducted. The results indicated significant positive relationships between trauma-related cognitions and mental health help-seeking behavior, with spiritual bypass acting as a significant mediator. Independent samples t-tests revealed no significant differences in trauma-related cognitions, spiritual bypass, or help-seeking behaviors based on education level, gender, living status, or marital status, although a significant difference was found in overaccommodation between nuclear and joint family structures. One-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference in overaccommodation based on socioeconomic status. These findings suggest that trauma-related cognitions and spiritual coping mechanisms significantly influence help-seeking behavior. The study highlights the complexity of help-seeking behaviors in the context of Pakistani cultural and religious norms.