Table 1 Factors, survey items, factor loading and percentage of variance

Factor 1: Self-reliance

35.9 %

It would seem weak to ask for help

.773

Asking for help is surrendering authority over my life

.751

I feel better about self knowing I didn’t need help

.666

I like to be in charge of everything in my life

.607

I think less of myself for needing help

.602

Nobody knows about my problems

.590

I do not want to appear weaker than my peers

.588

I like to make my own decisions and not be influenced by others.

.575

Don’t like people telling me what to do

.533

Factor 2: Resignation

9.4 %

I’d prefer to suck it up rather than dwell on my problems

.821

Problems like this are a part of life; they’re just something you have to deal with

.796

I’d prefer to wait until I’m sure the health problem is a serious one

.793

The problem wouldn’t be a big deal; it would go away in time

.753

I wouldn’t want to overreact to a problem that wasn’t serious

.718

The problem wouldn’t seem worth getting help for

.686

Factor 3: Privacy

7.3 %

I don’t want some stranger touching me in ways I’m not comfortable with

.784

I don’t like taking my clothes off in front of people

.783

I wouldn’t want someone of the same sex touching my body

.667

Sharing personal medical information is embarrassing

.621

I don’t like feeling controlled by others

.502

Factor 4: Emotional Control

5.9 %

I’d rather not show people what I’m feeling.

.847

I don’t like to get emotional about things.

.824

I don’t like to talk about feelings.

.746

I wouldn’t want to look stupid for not knowing how to figure this problem out.

.666

Privacy is important to me, and I don’t want other people to know about my problems

.489

Factor 5: Structural Barriers to Help-Seeking

5.6 %

I wouldn’t know what sort of help was available

.854

I would have real difficulty finding transportation to a place I can get help

.849

Financial difficulties would be an obstacle to getting help

.740

A lack of health insurance would prevent me from asking for help

.653

People typically expect something in return when they provide help

.484

I don’t trust doctors and other health professionals

.408

TOTAL VARIANCE EXPLAINED

64.1 %