Stigma is a significant barrier to psychological help-seeking worldwide, particularly in societies where cultural and social norms strongly influence attitudes toward mental health. In Saudi Arabia, stigma, along with other sociocultural factors, has been consistently linked to low utilization of mental health services. This systematic review aimed to explore the role of stigma in shaping psychological help-seeking behavior among Saudi populations, focusing on its interaction with sociodemographic factors, cultural beliefs, and systemic barriers. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to identify studies examining stigma and help-seeking behavior in Saudi Arabia. Inclusion criteria were studies that assessed stigma’s influence on attitudes toward seeking psychological help, published in English and conducted in Saudi Arabia. Nineteen studies meeting these criteria were included and analyzed thematically. The review revealed that stigma, whether public, self-perceived, or internalized, significantly impacts help-seeking behavior in Saudi Arabia. Key findings included a strong negative correlation between stigma and attitudes toward seeking professional help. Sociocultural factors, including misconceptions about mental illness, played a pivotal role in perpetuating stigma. Women were more likely to face fear of judgment, while men experienced greater public stigma. Prior exposure to mental health services and higher levels of mental health literacy were associated with reduced stigma and more favorable attitudes. Finally, structural barriers, including limited accessibility and unprofessional mental health services, further compounded the impact of stigma. Stigma remains a pervasive barrier to mental health service utilization in Saudi Arabia, deeply rooted in cultural and societal norms.
Key words: Stigma, mental health, help-seeking behavior, Saudi Arabia, psychological services, sociocultural factors, mental health literacy
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