Influence of Stigma on Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior among Tier-One Bank Employees in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

Mental well-being was critical to overall health, yet stigma remained a significant barrier to help-seeking behavior, particularly in high-pressure occupations like banking. This study examined the influence of stigma on mental health help-seeking behavior among tier-one bank employees in Nairobi, Kenya, a sector characterized by fast-paced, competitive environments that heightened vulnerability to stress, anxiety, and depression. Despite growing awareness of mental health challenges in Kenya, limited research had focused on occupational groups within the banking industry, where socio-cultural beliefs and workplace stigma often deterred employees from seeking support. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study explored unique stressors faced by bank employees and the role of stigma whether public, self, or perceived in shaping their help-seeking decisions. Quantitative data were gathered from 390 employees through structured questionnaires incorporating standardized instruments, including the Mental Health Stigma Scale (MHSS), the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH), and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ). Qualitative data were collected from 30 purposively selected participants through semi-structured interviews designed to capture lived experiences with stigma and mental health support within the workplace. The findings revealed that 51.8% of respondents reported high levels of perceived public stigma, while 32.1% experienced high self-stigma, both of which were negatively associated with help-seeking intentions. Fear of career consequences, lack of confidentiality, and organizational silence around mental health emerged as dominant barriers. Chi-square analysis demonstrated statistically significant associations between stigma levels and help-seeking behavior, while thematic analysis of interview transcripts uncovered seven key themes, including fear of professional repercussions, internalized shame, limited supervisor support, and the influence of cultural norms. Facilitators such as flexible scheduling, peer support, and anti-stigma campaigns were identified as effective strategies for enhancing help-seeking behavior. The study concluded that mental health stigma remained deeply entrenched in the banking sector, limiting the efficacy of existing support mechanisms. It recommended the implementation of targeted psychoeducational programs, confidential access to mental health services, and culturally responsive interventions to reduce stigma and promote mental wellness. These findings contributed to the broader discourse on occupational mental health in Sub-Saharan Africa and offered practical insights for institutional policy reform within Kenya's financial sector.