Generational perspectives on stigma and help-seeking for mental health disorders in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Maryam Alnaim; Abdulmohsen E. Al Mulhem; Othman A. Al Saif; Hamad A. Al Sagoor; Wasayf M. Al Shanabah; Munirah I. Al Khitrish; Wesam A. Al Shuaibi; Omar A. Al Damigh; Jwaher E. Al Mulhim; Abdulmohsen K. Al Mulhim

doi:10.54293/smhj.v5i3.164

Authors

Maryam Alnaim College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Abdulmohsen E. Al Mulhem College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8522-3480
Othman A. Al Saif College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2955-0616
Hamad A. Al Sagoor College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3011-9306
Wasayf M. Al Shanabah College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Munirah I. Al Khitrish College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Wesam A. Al Shuaibi College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Omar A. Al Damigh Department of Family Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi KSA. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3119-2607
Jwaher E. Al Mulhim Department of Family and Community Medicine, National Guard Hospital, Al Ahsa, KSA.
Abdulmohsen K. Al Mulhim Department of Family Medicine, Al Ahsa Health Cluster, Al Ahsa, KSA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54293/smhj.v5i3.164

Keywords:

Mental Health Disorders, Stigma, Help-Seeking, , Mental Healthcare, Generational differences.

Abstract

Background: Mental health stigma hinders care-seeking in Saudi Arabia. Generational differences affect perceptions and behaviors, with younger people more exposed to awareness efforts.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey of 700 Saudi adults (18+) was conducted from March to Mid-July 2025 using a 28-item Arabic questionnaire assessing attitudes, stigma, help-seeking, and generational views. Data were analyzed with SPSS.

Results: Participants were 45.6% aged 18–29 and 60.9% female. Most had a bachelor’s degree (59.9%) and no prior psychological treatment (88.9%). While 88.6% believed mental illness should be treated like physical illness, 89.6% feared judgment. Females sought help more (p < 0.001). Prior treatment improved attitudes (p = 0.009) but not help-seeking (p = 0.419). The 18–29 group was seen as most accepting (61.7%). Stigma (79.6%) was the main barrier; awareness and education were key enablers.

Conclusion: Stigma and gender gaps challenge mental health support. Despite younger generations’ openness, fear of judgment remains. Tailored awareness and culturally sensitive services are vital to improve mental health care in Saudi Arabia.