Why can't people ask for help when facing major difficulties? A certain proportion of young adults struggle to initiate requests for assistance due to an inability to maintain a long-term perspective. This study examines the psychological factors hindering help-seeking behavior among young adults lacking a long-term perspective and explores supportive interventions. Method: Questionnaire survey. Participants: 117 university students (25 male, 91 female, 1 no response). Measures: Time Perspective Scale (5 factors); “When you have a major worry or problem, can you say ‘Help me’ to those around you?” (5-point scale). Reasons for not being able to say it. What is needed to make it easier to say ‘Help me?’ (Free-response questions using a scenario method). Results: Participants were divided into two groups: those without a long-term perspective (scores ≤2, 4) and those with a long-term perspective (scores ≥2, 6). Free-response comments from those reporting difficulty seeking help were analyzed and categorized using the KJ method. In the group with a long-term time perspective, 20% cited factors related to others (e.g., “If I ask for help, it might be a bother to others”) as reasons for not being able to say "Help me". In contrast, 41% of the group without a long-term time perspective cited factors related to others. Discussion: Based on the free responses regarding what is needed to be able to say “Help me,” we discuss what kind of support is necessary to enable the group without a long-term time perspective to request assistance from those around them.

Authors:
Maori Urakawa, Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University, Japan
Takeshi Sato, Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University, Japan
Kumiko Yoshitake, Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Maori Urakawa is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Child Education and care at Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University, Japan

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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