Background: This grounded theory study explored the views of adolescent boys aged
12 and 13 on the factors that influence their help-seeking decisions for less severe forms
of psychological distress.
Method: Semi-structured interviews with 12 participants from a local secondary school
and a community setting were analysed according to grounded theory methods. The
data analysis abstracted categories of data to construct a substantive theory of helpseeking.
Results: Participants’ views revealed an interaction of ‘pressures and promoters’ that
affected adolescent boys’ help-seeking decisions. These related to relationships with
others, mental health support and education, being a boy, and individual factors.
Conclusion: Mental health education and awareness should be promoted amongst
adolescent boys and the adults and professionals that they encounter so that they may
be encouraged to seek help for psychological distress
