Vol. 14(14), pp.

501-511, August, 2019

DOI: 10.5897/ERR2019.3706
Article Number: BC5636F61745
ISSN: 1990-3839
Copyright ©2019
Author(s) retain the copyright of this article Educational Research and Reviews
http://www.academicjournals.org/ERR

Full Length Research Paper

The relationships between the big five personality traits

and attitudes towards seeking professional
psychological help in mental health counselor
candidates: Mediating effect of cognitive flexibility
Ferah Çekici
Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, School of Educational Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University,
Istanbul, Turkey.
Received 12 January, 2019; Accepted 29 July, 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between the five big personality traits
(openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism) and attitudes towards seeking
professional psychological help in counseling students along with the mediating role of cognitive
flexibility. The sample of the study consisted of 189 students (140 female and 49 male) attending the
counseling program at Istanbul Medipol University. The age mean of the sample was 20.81 (SD=1.91).
The data were collected in the fall term of the 2018 to 2019 academic year. The Big Five Inventory,
Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale and Cognitive Flexibility Scale were
used as data collection instruments. The data were analyzed by using SPSS 20 Statistical Package
Program and the mediation model was tested in SPSS using PROCESS macro developed by Hayes.
Results revealed that cognitive flexibility has mediator role between big five traits and psychological
help-seeking attitude. In conclusion, the proposed model has emerged statistically significant.

Key words: Big five personality traits, attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help, cognitive
flexibility, candidate counselors.

INTRODUCTION

There are several lines of discussion regarding whether aiming to fulfill the role of a psychotherapist/counselor
psychological counselors, or candidates require effectively (Elliott and Partyka, 2005).
professional help for their own personal problems (Corey, As part of the training process, trainee-therapists enjoy
2009). Especially when it comes to psychodynamic, the opportunity to observe the therapist in action during a
humanistic and existential psychotherapies, the experience therapy setting, and this offers an essential experiential
of counselors who have taken on psychological help learning opportunity in the development of the candidate’s
often see it as a necessity both as a an “educational tool” talents (Laireiter and Willutzki, 2005). But there are
and a means of “personal development” for anyone several benefits to this exposure being directed at the

E-mail: [email protected].

Author(s) agree that this article remain permanently open access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License 4.0 International License
502 Educ. Res. Rev.

candidate themselves in “personal therapy” sessions, and the ability to establish and maintain an effective
this is backed up various by many studies. As a client, a therapeutic relationship with their clients and at the same
trainee-counselor spends valuable time on self-discovery time apply the most appropriate techniques to their
and gaining a practical understanding of the therapy clients’ needs in order to control their own experiences
process in a way that can no doubt help them increase and reactions and help their clients.
their self-awareness related to the field especially (Corey, In this context, psychological counselors are expected
2009). Similar to Corey, (2009) also mentions that to exhibit a certain set of characteristics in order to be
“personal therapy” is an excellent experience that effective, namely professional “personality traits” and
provides a lot of serious improvement for the counselors “professional expertise”. In terms of “personality
and candidate counselors. characteristics,” this means having an identity, self-
Corey et al. (2007) state that the psychological respect and appreciation, being open to change, being
counselor is responsible for possessing self-awareness in life-oriented, showing authentic behavior; be sincere and
their own life. It naturally follows that psychological honest, have a sense of humor, are capable of making
counselors who are aware of their own needs, unfinished mistakes and tend to accept their mistakes. In terms of
business, conflicts, defense mechanisms and their “professional expertise”, effective counselors have
weaknesses, are thought to focus on the needs of the effective interpersonal communication skills, competent in
client in their psychological counseling process rather basic counseling skills, ability to conceptualize the
than their own needs. Various investigations have been counseling process, apply various techniques in
conducted on psychological counselors, psychologists psychological counseling, passionate about their work
and various mental health workers in terms of the need to and have a meaning in their work. Also they are
take “personal therapy”. Orlinsky et al. (2005) investigated ambitious and sensitive to cultural differences (Norcross
the impacts of the personal therapy and they reported et al., 2007; Corey, 2009; Hackney and Cormier, 2008;
that more than 90% of mental health professionals Skovholt and Jennings, 2004).
explained to their satisfaction and positive outcomes from The characteristics of “having an identity” from the
their own counseling experiences. Also, another characteristics related to the possible personality traits
researcher Norcross (2005) conducted many researches are thought to affect the attitudes of counselors’ seeking
about the personal therapy. According to his inquires attitudes in being able to know themselves, knowing how
pointed that various positive gains about the personal much they can help their clients and understanding their
therapy such as self-esteem, social life, emotional priorities. According to Hackney and Cormier (2008),
expression, intrapersonal conflicts, and symptom severity having an identity means to have a personal awareness
and work functioning. Corey (2009) claimed that personal and understanding ability. From these perspectives,
therapy can be as an instrumental in healing the healer. “having self-esteem and appreciation” means that having
He reported that if the candidate counselors do not the awareness of self-worth and self-strength in order to
involve in the pursuit of healing their wounds, they be able to help others or ask for help from others (Corey,
probably have considerable difficulty entering the world of 2009). Cormier and Cormier (1991) describe this feature
a client. As seen in all these studies, personal counseling as “self-awareness” and report that psychological
could provide emotional health and personal growth counselors transfer their own tendencies in this regard to
needed to support counselors and WHO training for their client, whether for better or worse. According to this,
mental health positions. psychological counselors who feel inadequate and
insufficient in themselves, reflect these negative beliefs to
their clients through their behavior; conversely, those who
Psychological help-seeking attitude and personality are aware of their own strengths reflect these
traits characteristics in their interaction with clients. In summary,
then, the self-awareness of psychological counselors has
To seek psychological help is to seek various among an active role in the effectiveness of the counseling
effective means to deal with the challenges an individual process. Therefore, in order for the consultation process
faces in life (Nicholas et al., 2004). Many researchers to be carried out to better success, it is important that the
reveal that psychological help seeking attitude is affected psychological counselor knows their own conception of
by many factors such as gender, culture, religion, social self-awareness, namely that they know their personal
adjustment, emotionally openness, self-disclosure and strengths, needs, expectations, goals and limitations.
the beliefs/cognitions about the benefits of the self- In terms of “openness to change”, the most effective
disclosure, public stigma and self-stigma” (Egisdottor counselors are those bold in tackling the circumstances
and Gerstein, 2009; Vogel and Wester, 2003; Vogel et in which they must revise their approach. Effective
al., 2007a, b). Moreover, personality traits undoubtedly counselors can decide how they should be able to
influence one’s attitude toward seeking help in general, change and become the person they wish to be intuitively
and psychological help in particular. According to Corey (Corey, 2009). Hackney and Cormier (2008) describe the
(2009), effective counselors are professionals who have openness to change as simply “being open-minded”.
 Çekici 503

Another personality trait, having “life-oriented” neuroticism expresses that a person, such as depression
characteristics, implies that early life experiences effect anxiety, experiences a negative mood in a continuous
personalities, but hold that this is not a situation that is manner (The ACA Encylopedia of Counseling, 2009).
therefore fated and can change. Having “authentic, Consequently, there is a significant relation between
sincere and honest” features refers to ones ability to be personality traits and psychological help-seeking attitudes
sincere and honest about not hiding behind masks, and in counselor and other mental health professionals.
not defending them. “Having advanced sense of humor”
is another helpful feature, and effective counselors are
found to be those who can laugh at their own flaws and The mediator role of cognitive flexibility
contradictions. They are therefore “capable of making
mistakes and tend to accept their mistakes”. Showing Cognitive flexibility is the ability to think flexibly and to
“moment-oriented living (now and here) characteristics, shift perspectives and approaches with ease. Cognitive
counselors are aware that life can be experienced by flexibility also describes a kind of information processing
focusing on the present. Finally, “creating the boundaries and ability to adapt to new things. Especially it implies the
in a healthy way”, is meant to make one aware on how to ability to regulate cognitive information processing. Thus,
protect the personal boundaries in a relationship with a cognitive flexibility increases with experimental learnings
client and to be able to say no when necessary (Corey, (Canas et al., 2006). Cognitive flexibility is also defined
2009; McLeod, 2003). as individuals’ ability to realize suitable options and
In this study, the big five personality scale was used in alternatives, being eager to be flexible while being
the measurement of personality traits among adaptable to the situation and considering themselves
psychological counselor candidates because of the fact competent in flexible thinking and behaving (Martin and
that most of the features constituting the human Rubin, 1995).
personality can be grouped somewhere along this scale In order to behave in a flexible manner, it is necessary
(Burger, 2006). The big five-factor personality scale to think in a flexible way. Individuals with cognitive
consists of five dimensions; openness to experience, flexibility do not limit themselves to only one solution
conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and when encountering an issue; on the contrary, they tend to
neuroticism. The dimension of openness to experience review all possible alternative solutions. Individuals with
subscale is described to people who are open to cognitive flexibility are also creative people displaying
innovations and are intellectually curious, open to creativity, fluency and originality in thinking (Martin and
learning are open to experience; people who are Anderson, 2001). Individuals who possess cognitive
traditional and intellectually unrelated are people with low flexibility experience new ways of communicating, face
openness to experience. In terms of self-control, planned, situations they are not accustomed to, and are willing to
determined and success-oriented individuals show adapt their behavior effectively in dealing with
conscientiousness, while those who are unplanned, problematic situations (Martin and Anderson, 1998).
postponed, and lack self-control are low in Moreover, since a significant portion of cognitive flexibility
conscientiousness. It is via the trait of extraversion by constitutes the concept of self-efficacy, individuals with
way one can exhibit social, entertaining, talkative, joking cognitive flexibility believe in self-confidence and believe
and loving nature; whereas introversion causes in their ability to act effectively (Bandura, 1982).
individuals to become non-social, comfortable away from Cognitively, flexible thinking and behavior is a feature
others, silent, distant, passive and shy. According to the that can be applied to a variety of situations that require
sub-dimension of agreeableness, friendly, close, warm, communication or creativity in the face of the issues
social and reliable people are agreeableness; brought up in everyday life (Martin and Anderson, 2001).
argumentation, low attitudes towards others, non- In a way, it is a kind of cognitive and behavioral ability
cooperative and hard-tempered individuals are that can be applied in any case. According to Rational-
individuals with low levels of compliance. The dimension Emotional Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Cognitive-
of neuroticism means people who are generally anxious, Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the theories posed
restless, sad and weak in coping with stress are defined regarding these cognitive-behavioral psychotherapies,
as neurotic. People who are calm, emotionally balanced people with certain inflexible thinking styles dogged by
and capable of dealing with stress are defined as persons dogmatic, rigid and absolutist approaches suffer a form of
with low neuroticism (McCrae and Costa, 2003; Glass, psychological dysfunction that can ultimately cause them
Prichard et al., 2013; Lounsbury et al., 2009). to experience various mental disorders such as neurosis.
In brief, the five factor personality scale dimensions: Therefore, both REBT and CBT are called into play as
openness to experience equates with personal curiosity therapeutic approaches that specialize in encouraging
to explore; conscientiousness covers the fact that the people to think and act more flexible (Ellis and Dryden,
person wants to achieve what he wants to follow and 2007). Practitioners of cognitive-behavioral therapies
perseverance; extraversion governs sociability; confirm that cognition is followed by emotion, then
agreeableness equates with a desire to avoid conflict; behavior. Therefore, in order to behave cognitively
504 Educ. Res. Rev.

flexible, it is necessary to think first. For this reason, this experience, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. The inventory was
study aims to find out the relations between personality adapted into Turkish by Sümer and Sümer (2005). The Turkish form
of the BFI consists of a 44 item self-report measure with a five
dimensions (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, factors structure. Items on the scale are rated according to a 5-point
agreeableness, neuroticism) and attitudes toward seeking Likert scale (1: Totally disagree; 5: Totally agree). According to the
professional psychological help in counseling students results of the reliability analysis, the subscales’ Cronbach Alfa
along with the mediating role of cognitive flexibility. Coefficient range from 0.64 and 0.77.

METHODOLOGY Attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help

scale (ATSPPHS)
Research design
ATSPPHS, developed by Fischer and Farina (1995), is a 10 item
This study was designed through correlational research model with self-report measure with a single factor structure. The scale was
quantitative research approach. The mediating effect of cognitive adapted into Turkish by Topkaya (2011). Items on the scale are
flexibility in the relationship between personality traits and attitudes rated on a 4-point Likert scale (1: Totally disagree; 4: Totally agree).
towards seeking professional psychological help was examined to The Cronbach Alpha value for internal consistency was 0.76 for the
use a multiple mediator bootstraping method (Hayes, 2013). Figure overall scale.
1 shows the research model.
According to this method, firstly, the effect of big five personality
traits, which is an independent variable, on cognitive flexibility, The cognitive flexibility scale (CFS)
which is a mediating variable, should be evaluated. Then, the
effect of cognitive flexibility on psychological help-seeking and then CFS developed by Martin and Rubin (1995), consists of a 12 item
the effect of big five personality traits should be examined. In this self-report measure with three subscales (awareness, willingness,
study, using the mediator variable analysis method, the hypothesis self-efficacy). The scale was adapted into the Turkish language by
that cognitive flexibility has a mediating effect between big five Altunkol (2011). The Turkish form of the scale consists of 2 sub-
personality traits and psychological help-seeking was tested. scales (naming as reverse and non-reverse items scale). Items of
the scale are rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1: Totally disagree; 6:
Totally agree). The Cronbach Alpha value for internal consistency
Workgroup/sample was 0.81 for the overall scale.

The sample of the study consisted of 189 students (140 female, 49

male) attending to the Psychological Counseling and Guidance Analysing data
Program at Istanbul Medipol University. The mean age of the
participants came to 20.81 (SD = 1.91). The convenient sampling In the first part of the data analysis, raw data was screened and
method was used to determine the sample (Fraenkel et al., 2011). cleared through SPSS 20 statistical package program (IBM, 2011).
Then correlations between variables were calculated using Pearson
Correlation Coefficient Analysis. The mediation model was tested
Data collection procedures by utilizing Hayes’ PROCESS macro in SPSS (Hayes, 2013). For
this purpose, the Serial Multiple Mediator Model was used to
Firstly, ethical permission was gotten from the ethical committee of determine whether cognitive flexibility has a mediating role between
the university; then data was collected from undergraduate students big five personality traits and psychological help seeking attitude.
at the fall term in 2018. The scales were given to the students 5000 bootstrap sampling was used in the analyzes and estimates
during the lecture and were asked to fill. Participation in the study were corrected for bias error and evaluated at 95% confidence
was on voluntary basis. Before starting to collect data, a written interval reflecting corrected results.
informed consent form in which participants were informed about
the purpose of the study and assured of confidentiality was given.
The participants who confirmed their consent to participate in the The limitations of the study
study were given the scales in paper-pen format. It took about 15
min to fill all of the scales. The current study has a number of limitations. Firstly, all data was
based on self-reported measures, which might introduce response
bias. In many researches, self-reported scales were commonly
Data collection instruments used but these measures may cause social desirability effects in
participants' response. That is, participants may not have given
In this study, The Big Five Inventory (BFI), Attitudes Toward honest answers to the questions in the survey. Thus socially
Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS) and desirable response may have affected the reliability of the results
The Cognitive Flexibility Scale (CFS) were used as data collection adversely. Secondly, the number of female was more than the
instruments. male counterparts which mislead the results in terms of a possible
gender effect. Furthermore, this study results have generalizability
problem due to the fact that participants were undergraduate
students at a private university in Istanbul.
The big five inventory (BFI) Thirdly, it is reported that there are many different variables
affecting this study’s model. But in this study, it is limited by ignoring
BFI was developed by Benet-Martinez and John (1998), a 5-item the effects of these variables. Lastly, personality traits and help-
self-report measure with a five factor structure. The scale seeking attitudes are commonly studied in clinical population but in
dimensions include extraversion, agreeableness, openness to this study, these variables are tested in non-clinical population.
 Çekici 505

Table 1. Inter-correlations between variables.

Variable 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Openness -
Conscientiousness 0.30*** -
Extraversion 0.33*** 0.27*** -
Agreeableness 0.21** 0.31*** 0.24** -
Neuroticism -.25** -0.39*** -0.34*** -0.32*** -
Cognitive flexibility .51*** 0.56*** 0.48*** 0.22** -49*** -
Psychological help-seeking attitudes 0.25** 0.34*** 0.29*** 0.33*** -0.21** 0.38** -
N = 189; ***p < 0.001, **p < 0.01 (2-tailed).

Table 2. The results of the serial multiple mediator model for the investigating of mediator role of cognitive flexibility in the effect
of openness personality trait on psychological help-seeking attitude.

M (Cognitive flexibility) Y (Psychological help-seeking attitude)

Outcome variable
β SE p β SE p
Openness (X) 0.72 0.09 0.000 0.04 0.04 0.375
Cognitive flexibility (M) - - - 0.14 0.03 0.000
C (Consant) 25.38 3.19 0.000 21.09 1.64 0.000
2 2
R = 0.26 R = 0.15
F(1,187) = 65.83 F(2,186) = 16.18
p = 0.000 p = 0.000

FINDINGS In a model where the mediator variable (M) is not

present, the effect of the openness personality trait (X) on
Descriptive statistics the psychological help-seeking attitude (Y) (path c) is
called the total effect. Accordingly, in the absence of
A Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was cognitive flexibility, openness personality trait significantly
conducted in order to explore the correlations between predicts on help seeking (c path; β= 0.14, SE= 0.04,
variables. The inter-correlations between the variables of t=3.46, p<0.001, CI [0.07, 0.23]).
the proposed model are shown in Table 1. On the other hand, when openness personality trait (X,
Based on Table 1, it can be assumed that significant indicator variable) and cognitive flexibility (M, mediator
correlations exist between the variables of the proposed variable) were taken simultaneously to the equation, the
model. The absolute values of Pearson’s correlations for direct effect between the openness personality trait and
the study variables ranged between -0.21 and 0.56, and psychological help-seeking attitudes was found not
all the correlations are significant at 0.001 and 0.01 level. significantly (c’ path; β = 0.04, SE = 0.04, t = 0.88, p
In Tables 2 to 6, the results of the regression analysis >0.001, CI [-0.04, 0.13]). According to this finding, it was
used for testing mediating effects of the cognitive revealed that cognitive flexibility, the mediating variable
flexibility between big five personality traits and added to the equation, mediates the relationship between
psychological help-seeking attitudes were presented. openness personality trait and psychological help-
As shown in Table 2, according to the results of seeking attitude.
multiple regression analysis, the openness personality According to findings, it was concluded that the indirect
trait (X; indicator variable) significantly predicts the effect of the study on openness (X, indicator variable)
cognitive flexibility (M; mediator variable) (a path; β= and cognitive flexibility (M, mediator variable)
0.72, SE=0.09, t=8.11, p<0.001, CI [0.55, 0.90 ]). psychological help-seeking attitude (Y) (c-c ’) was
Also the multiple regression analysis was used to significant. It means the indirect effect of openness
analyze the effects of both cognitive flexibility (M) (b) and personality trait on psychological help seeking attitude
openness personality trait (X) (c’) on the psychological was significant; thus, cognitive flexibility mediates the
help-seeking attitude (Y, outcome variable). As shown in relationship between openness personality trait and
Table 2, cognitive flexibility significantly predicts psychological help-seeking attitude (c- c ’) point
psychological help-seeking attitude (path b; β=0.14, prediction = 0.10, SE = 0.04, BCa CI [0.03, 0.18]).
SE=0.03, t=4.37, p<0.001, CI [0.08, 0.21]). Besides, when Table 2 is examined, it is seen that the
506 Educ. Res. Rev.

Table 3. The results of the serial multiple mediator model for investigating mediator role of cognitive flexibility in the
effect of conscientiousness personality trait on psychological help-seeking attitude.

M (Cognitive flexibility) Y (Psychological help-seeking attitude)

Outcome variable
β SE p β SE p
Conscientiousness (X) 0.86 0.13 0.000 0.11 0.05 0.024
Cognitive flexibility (M) - - - 0.12 0.03 0.000
C (Consant) 22.96 3.07 0.000 20.15 1.59 0.000
2 2
R = 0.31 R = 0.17
F(1,187) = 85.02 F(2,186) = 18.75
p = 0.000 p = 0.000

Table 4. The results of the serial multiple mediator model for investigating mediator role of cognitive flexibility in the effect of
extraversion personality trait on psychological help-seeking attitude.

M (Cognitive flexibility) Y (Psychological help-seeking attitude)

Outcome variable
β SE p β SE p
Extraversion (X) 0.72 0.10 0.000 0.08 0.04 0.078
Cognitive flexibility (M) - - - 0.13 0.03 0.000
C (Consant) 31.20 2.71 0.000 20.84 1.53 0.000
2 2
R = 0.23 R = 0.16
F(1,187) = 55.29 F(2,16) = 15.55
p = 0.000 p = 0.000

Whole model is significant (F (2, 186) = 16.18, p < 0.001, t = 2.27, p <0.001, CI [0.01, 0.22]). This finding reveals
R2 = 0.15) and explains 15% of the total variance. that cognitive flexibility, the mediating variable added to
As shown in Table 3, according to the results of the equation, mediates the relationship between
multiple regression analysis, the conscientiousness conscientiousness personality trait and psychological
personality trait (X; indicator variable) significantly help-seeking attitude.
predicts the cognitive flexibility (M; mediator variable) (a According to findings, it was concluded that the indirect
path; β= 0.86, SE=0.13, t=9.22, p<0.001, CI [0.5.68, effect of the study on conscientiousness (X, indicator
1.04]). Also, the multiple regression analysis was used to variable) and cognitive flexibility (M, mediator variable)
analyze the effects of both cognitive flexibility (M) (b) and psychological help-seeking attitude (Y) (c- c ’) was
conscientiousness personality trait (X) (c ’) on the significant. It means the indirect effect of
psychological help-seeking attitude (Y, outcome conscientiousness personality trait on psychological help
variable). As shown in Table 3, cognitive flexibility seeking attitude was significant; thus, cognitive flexibility
significantly predicts psychological help-seeking attitude mediates the relationship between conscientiousness
(path b; β = 0.11, SE = 0.03, t = 3.44, p<0.001, CI [0.05, personality trait and psychological help-seeking attitude
0.18]). (c- c’) point prediction = 0.10, SE = 0.04, BCa CI [0.03,
In a model where the mediator variable (M) is not 0.18]).
present, the effect of the conscientiousness personality Besides, when Table 3 is examined, it is seen that the
trait (X) on the psychological help-seeking attitude (Y) whole model is significant (F(2, 186) = 18.75, p <0.001,
(path c) is called the total effect. Accordingly, in the R2 = 0.17) and explains 17% of the total variance.
absence of cognitive flexibility, conscientiousness As seen in Table 4, according to the results of multiple
personality trait significantly predicts on help seeking (c regression analysis, the extraversion personality trait (X;
path; β= 0.22, SE= 0.05, t=4.93, p<0.001, CI [0.13, indicator variable) significantly predicts the cognitive
0.30]). flexibility (M; mediator variable) s (a path; β= 0.72, SE=
On the other hand, when conscientiousness personality 0.10, t=7.44, p<0.001, CI [0.53, 0.92].
trait (X, indicator variable) and cognitive flexibility (M, Also, multiple regression analysis was used to analyze
mediator variable) were taken simultaneously to the the effects of both cognitive flexibility (M) (b) and
equation, the direct effect between the conscientiousness extraversion personality trait (X) (c ’) on the psychological
personality trait and psychological help-seeking attitudes help-seeking attitude (Y, outcome variable). As shown in
was found not significantly (c’ path; β = 0.12, SE = 0.05, Table 4, cognitive flexibility significantly predicts
 Çekici 507

Table 5. The results of the serial multiple mediator model for the investigating mediator role of cognitive flexibility in the
effect of agreeableness personality trait on psychological help-seeking attitude.

M (Cognitive flexibility) Y (Psychological help-seeking attitude)

Outcome variable
β SE p β SE p
Agreeableness (X) 0.40 0.13 0.002 0.19 0.05 0.000
Cognitive flexibility (M) - - - 0.13 0.03 0.000
C (Consant) 37.30 4.40 0.000 16.45 1.96 0.000
2 2
R = 0.05 R = 0.21
F(1,187) = 9.79 F(2,186) = 24.55
p = 0.002 p = 0.000

psychological help-seeking attitude (path b; β = 0.13, SE equation, the direct effect between the agreeableness
= 0.03, t = 4.12, p <0.001, CI [0.07, 0.19]). personality trait and psychological help-seeking attitude
In a model where the mediator variable (M) is not decrease but it is still significant (c’ path; β = 0.19, SE =
present, the effect of the extraversion personality trait (X) 0.05, t = 3.89, p <0.000, CI [0.09, 0.29]). These findings
the equation, mediates the relationship between (the decreasing) suggested that mediator variable may
extraversion personality trait and psychological help- show mediation effect between indicator variable and
seeking attitude. outcome variable.
According to findings, it was concluded that the indirect Whether the indirect effect were statistically significant
effect of the study on extraversion personality trait (X, or not, it was seen that the indirect effect of the study on
indicator variable) and cognitive flexibility (M, mediator agreeableness (X, indicator variable) and cognitive
variable) psychological help-seeking attitude (Y) (c- c ’) flexibility (M, mediator variable) psychological help-
was significant. It means the indirect effect of extraversion seeking attitude (Y) (c- c ’) was significant (point
personality trait on psychological help seeking attitude prediction = 0.05, SE = 0.03, BCa CI [0.03, 0.12]). It
was significant; thus, cognitive flexibility mediates the means the indirect effect of agreeableness personality
relationship between conscientiousness personality trait trait on psychological help seeking attitude was
and psychological help-seeking attitude (c- c ’) point significant; thus, cognitive flexibility mediates the
prediction = 0.09, SE = 0.03, BCa CI [0.03, 0.17]). relationship between agreeableness personality trait and
Besides, when Table 4 is examined, it is seen that the psychological help-seeking attitude.
whole model is significant (F (2, 186) = 15.55, p <0.00, Besides, when Table 5 is examined, it is seen that the
R2 = 0.16) and explains 16% of the total variance. whole model is significant F (2, 186) = 24.55, p < 0.001,
2
As seen in Table 5, according to the results of R = 0.21) and explains 21% of the total variance.
multiple regression analysis, the agreeableness As seen in Table 6, according to the results of multiple
personality trait (X; indicator variable) significantly regression analysis, the neuroticism personality trait (X;
predicts the cognitive flexibility (M; mediator variable) (a indicator variable) significantly predicts the cognitive
path; β= 0.40, SE= 0.13, t=3.13, p<0.001, CI [0.15, flexibility (M; mediator variable) (a path; β= -0.78,
0.65]). SE=0.10, t=-7.67, p<0.001, CI [-0.98,-0.58]).
Also, the multiple regression analysis was used to Also, multiple regression analysis was used to analyze
analyze the effects of both cognitive flexibility (M) (b) and the effects of both cognitive flexibility (M) (b) and
agreeableness personality trait (X) (c’) on the neuroticism personality trait (X) (c’) on the psychological
psychological help-seeking attitude (Y, outcome help-seeking attitude (Y, outcome variable). As shown in
variable). As shown in Table 5, cognitive flexibility Table 6, cognitive flexibility significantly predicts
significantly predicts psychological help-seeking attitude psychological help-seeking attitude (path b; β= 0.15,
(path b; β= 0.13, SE= 0.03, t=4.82, p<0.001, CI [0.08, SE=0.03, t=-4.68, p<0.001, CI [0.09, 0.21]).
0.19]). In a model where the mediator variable (M) is not
In a model where the mediator variable (M) is not present, the effect of the neuroticism personality trait (X)
present, the effect of the agreeableness personality trait on the psychological help-seeking attitude (Y) (path c) is
(X) on the psychological help-seeking attitude (Y) (path c) called the total effect. Accordingly, in the absence of
is called the total effect. Accordingly, in the absence of cognitive flexibility, neuroticism personality trait
cognitive flexibility, agreeableness personality trait significantly predicts on help seeking (c path; β= -0.14,
significantly predicts on help seeking (c path; β= 0.22, SE= 0.05, t=-2.97, p<0.001, CI [-0.23, -0.04]).
SE= 0.05, t=4.93, p<0.001, CI [0.13, 0.30]). On the other hand, when neuroticism personality trait
On the other hand, when agreeableness personality (X, indicator variable) and cognitive flexibility (M,
trait (X, indicator variable) and cognitive flexibility (M, mediator variable) were taken simultaneously to the
mediator variable) were taken simultaneously to the equation, the direct effect between the neuroticism
508 Educ. Res. Rev.

Table 6. The results of the serial multiple mediator model for investigating of mediator role of cognitive flexibility in the effect
of neuroticism personality trait on psychological help-seeking attitude.

M (Cognitive flexibility) Y (Psychological help-seeking attitude)

Outcome variable
β SE p β SE p
Neuroticism (X) -0.78 0.10 0.000 -0.02 0.05 0.657
Cognitive flexibility (M) - - - 0.15 0.03 0.000
C (Consant) 69.69 2.51 .000 22.69 2.49 0.000
2 2
R = 0.24 R = 0.15
F(1,187) = 58.79 F(2,186) = 15.83
p = 0.000 p = 0.000

personality trait and psychological help-seeking attitudes the total variance 15%.
was found not significantly (c’ path; β = -0.02, SE = 0.05, In this study, the first finding showed that openness to
t = -0.44, p >0.001, CI [-0.12, 0.07]). This finding reveals experience has significantly indirect effects on help-
that cognitive flexibility, the mediating variable added to seeking attitudes. According to big five personality
the equation, mediates the relationship between model, openness to experience can be explained through
neuroticism personality trait and psychological help- the trait of creativity and curiosity. Corey (2009),
seeking attitude. suggested the qualification of the effective counselors.
According to findings, it was concluded that the indirect One of these qualifications is open to change, and thus
effect of the study on neuroticism personality trait (X, this means that effective counselors are those who can
indicator variable) and cognitive flexibility (M, mediator make decisions about how they would like to change, and
variable) psychological help-seeking attitude (Y) (c- c ’) work toward becoming the person they want to become.
was significant. It means the indirect effect of neuroticism McLeod (2003) described this qualification as “an
personality trait on psychological help seeking attitude openness to learning and inquiry” meaning that all
was significant; thus, cognitive flexibility mediates the counselors should open to new knowledge and using
relationship between neuroticism personality trait and research to inform their practice.
psychological help-seeking attitude(c- c’) point prediction The model proposed in this study, showed that
= SE= 0.04, BCa CI [-0.20, -0.05]). cognitive flexibility was mediated between openness to
Besides, when Table 6 is examined, it is seen that the experience personality trait and help seeking attitude. In
whole model is significant (F (2, 186) = 15.83, p < 0.001, this context, it was seen that Dreisbach and Goschke's
R2 = 0.15) and explains 15% of the total variance. (2004) study supported this finding. According to their
research, the positive relationships between cognitive
flexibility and adaptation to new situations was found. In
DISCUSSION another saying, cognitive flexibility facilitates the ability to
adapt to new situations. When the literature is examined,
In this study, the relations between big five personality it is emphasized that there are relations between
dimensions (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, flexibility and personality traits in the few studies that
agreeableness, neuroticism) and attitudes toward examined five factors personality traits with direct
seeking professional psychological help among cognitive flexibility. Murdock et al. (2013) stated in their
counseling students along with the mediating role of research that there was a positive and significant
cognitive flexibility was examined. According to the relationship between cognitive flexibility and openness to
results, all personality traits dimensions have significantly experience personality trait.
indirect effects on help-seeking attitudes. In other words, The second finding of this study showed that
it was said that cognitive flexibility has a mediating effects conscientiousness has a significantly indirect effect on
on the relationship between big five personality traits and help-seeking attitudes. Costa and McCrea (1992)
psychological help-seeking attitude. indicated conscientiousness gives individuals have the
Thus, the model was found statistically significant as sufficient required degree of self-discipline and gumption
proposed. Besides, it was found that the total variance for organization. These people experience low levels of
explanation rations of the each indicator variables on the negative emotions and positive emotions at a higher
psychological help-seeking attitudes were statistically level, and thus are more satisfied generally. Azjen’s
significant. These variables order in high to low shows theory of planned behavior is a theory which states that
that agreeableness personality trait explained 21% of the help-seeking for mental health problems is governed by
total variance, conscientiousness explained 17% of the attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control over
total variance, extraversion explained 16% of the total behaviour. The theory states that these traits interact to
variance and both openness and neuroticism explained influence intentions, and consequently, one’s behavior.
 Çekici 509

Besides, Bilgin (2017) reported that cognitive flexibility is living.

one of the variables that it predicted to significant The fifth finding of this study showed that neuroticism
responsibility (self-supervision) and emotional instability has significantly indirect effects on help-seeking attitudes.
personality traits. According to big five personality model, neuroticism can
The third finding of this study showed that the trait of be explained as the experience of negative effect.
extraversion personality trait has significant indirect effect Gulliver et al. (2012) indicated that depression, anxiety,
on help-seeking attitudes. Knowdell and Chapman (1993) and general psychological distress can be effective in
claimed that being successful counselor actively has increasing help-seeking attitudes. Also, the health belief
some relation to personality. Thus, they stated that the model also backs this study’s findings. This model, is built
counselors should like people, desire to help and have a on the premise that behavior is dependent on an
warm personality, positive attitude, nonthreatening individual’s appraisal of the perceived threat of illness
demeanor and be good listener. All seem to agree that a and its severity, and the perceived barriers and benefits
good counselor ought to be “an extrovert” with strong of the behavior itself (Henshaw et al., 2009). The related
external relations. McLeod (2003) introduced a composite literature examine showed the relationship between
model around counselors’ qualifications. In this model, personality traits and stress and coping. For example,
there are seven key areas of competence outlined. One there is a positive correlation between neurotism or
of these pertains to “interpersonal skills” including good emotional instability and stress levels (Garbarino et al.,
listening skills, communication skills and empathy. 2014). It has been shown by conducted research
Furthermore, Tijhuis et al. (1990), claimed that a strong (Altunkol, 2011; Stah and Pry, 2005) that individuals with
social network is an important variable affecting the high cognitive flexibility can cope with effectively
professional help seeking attitude. However, in terms of unexpected and difficult situations, and create alternative
social support network, people with close friendship and solutions and coping methods. As a consequence,
family relations are less likely to seek professional help. cognitive flexibility have an deeply and positive impact on
In the event that a social network is established with the individuals’ coping capacity towards to internal and
mental health professionals, people are more likely to external sources of stress. Also, it has a positive effect on
seek professional psychological help if they are trusted the psychological well-being of adults (Koesten et al.,
by mental health workers. In this research, the proposed 2009).
model showed that cognitive flexibility has a mediator role Finally, it is concluded that cognitive flexibility plays a
between extraversion personality trait and help seeking mediator role in the relationship between big five
attitude. In this context, Gamez et al. (2011) and Gloster personality traits and psychological help-seeking attitude.
et al. (2011) supported this finding and they claimed the When it is examined, the total variance explanation
extraversion personality showed significant relationship rations about each of the indicator variables that the
with psychological flexibility. highest ratio belong to agreeablessness personality trait.
The fourth finding of this study showed that the trait of According to this finding, it can be said that cognitive
agreeableness has significant indirect effect on help- flexibility has more mediating effect on the relationship
seeking attitudes. Agreeableness is a personality trait between agreeableness personality trait and
that refers to friendliness and trust. In the broadest psychological help compared to other indicator variables.
sense, aggreablessness implies a certain degree of After the agreeableness personality trait’s explanation
obedience, and so therefore it follows that this could lead ratio, it has the total variance explanation rate from
to negative effect in this context. Of course, certain conscientiousness and extraversion, respectively, from
cultures emphasize subordination as a positive personal high to low. Besides, openness and neuroticism are
trait, and others do not. This is related to the degree of equal to total variance explanation rates.
individualism and collectivism in a culture, the latter being
generally prevalent in Eastern societies. Because of their
collectivist character of Eastern societies, subordination RECOMMENDATION FOR FUTURE RESEARCHES
can be considered an honorable characteristic (McCrae
and Costa, 2003). According to help-seeking literature, it In future studies, the model may be tested by equating
was described as avoidance factor in the help-seeking the number of female and male participants. Maybe there
process, social stigma (Komiya et al., 2000), treatment is a need to examine psychological help-seeking attitude
fears (Deane and Todd, 1996), fear of emotion (Komiya using diverse ages groups. A comparative study can be
et al., 2000), anticipated utility and risks and self- conducted regarding the mediator role of cognitive
disclosure (Vogel and Wester, 2003). flexibility between personality traits and psychological
As a consequence, these factors are thought to be the help seeking attitudes among professionals such as
means of high cognitive flexibility between individuals' social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists in
attitudes towards psychological help seeking and psychological care professions.
agreeableness personality traits as a serious threat to According to this study’s findings, cognitive flexibility
mental health and increased interest in holistic healthy affected an indirect effect in the relationship between
510 Educ. Res. Rev.

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