THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUBLIC STIGMA AND SELF-STIGMA TOWARDS A ATTITUDE TO GET COUNSELLING SERVICES (106 - 113)

Abstract

This study aims to identify the relationship between public stigma and self-stigma towards adults’ attitude to get counselling services. Researchers applied the correlational design to obtain the direction and strength of the relationships that exist between these three variables. A total of 476 adults aged 21 years and above were involved in this study that took place in Kuala Lumpur. The findings show that respondents have moderate level of public stigma, self-stigma and attitude to seek counselling services. However, male respondents reported higher self-stigma and female respondents showed a more positive attitude toward counselling services. Nevertheless, both genders have the same perception of public stigma. The main implication of this study focuses on information related to the counselling services in the community as well as cross-cultural approach in counselling practices to reduce stigma.