The perceptions of psychologist's profession and using psychological help depending on age and other sociodemographic factors.

Abstract

Background: Due to the increase in mental health problems in the population, the demand for psychological services is increasing. Not only the availability of mental health specialists is important, but also the social perception of these professions and the services they provide. The undertaken research concerned the image of the psychologist's profession.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 191 people, including 135 (71%) women and 56 (29%) men, aged 18-101 years (M±SD 44.95±20.04). Most respondents had not previously used psychological or psychiatric counselling (71% and 83%, respectively). The study used 2 scales: the Image of a Psychologist and the Using Psychological Help (both with good psychometric properties) and a sociodemographic form. Data were collected mainly online, using a Google Forms.

Results: The youngest people, those with higher education, living in large agglomerations, professionally active, and having previous contact with a psychologist had a more positive image of a psychologist and were more likely to perceive the use of psychologist's help as a manifestation of care for health and less often as a manifestation of disorders and inability to cope. The perception of using psychological help as an ineffective whim was stronger among men, the oldest people, and those with lower education. The perception of using psychological help as a reason for fear and shame was more intense in younger people and those with higher education.

Conclusions: The image of a psychologist was rather positive in this study. This profession was associated more with intellectual and cognitive attributes than with emotional ones. People with negative attitudes toward psychological help were people who may be at increased risk of experiencing difficulties or psychological crises. In these groups, additional educational activities and dissemination of an appropriate image of a psychologist are recommended. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(1):13-24.