Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


bgsu1225750426.pdf (854.37 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Longitudinal Accounts of Help-Seeking Behavior: An Image Theory Alternative

Smith, Erin N.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1225750426

Abstract Details

2008, Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, Psychology/Industrial-Organizational.
The current literature has examined the impact of perceived need for help on the decision to engage in help-seeking behaviors, but no studies to date have interpreted help-seeking through the assumptions of image theory or other alternative theories to the cost/benefit model of making decisions. The relationship between perceived need for help and actual help-seeking behavior was examined through a longitudinal unfolding model of help-seeking behavior. The assumptions of image theory were applied to the help-seeking framework to evaluate the impact of negative shocks on the decision to seek help. Using a repeated measures longitudinal design with three measurement points throughout an academic semester, college students were asked to report their perceived need for help in the course, help-seeking behaviors since the most recent exam feedback, and expected grade in the course. Results of the hierarchical regression analyses showed that perceived need for help explained incremental variance in predicting concurrent interpersonal and written help-seeking behaviors at Time 2, and interpersonal help-seeking behaviors at Time 3, after controlling for reported help-seeking behaviors at Time 1. Despite past research supporting a relationship between achievement motivation and help-seeking behaviors, achievement motivation did not moderate the relationship between perceived need for help and help-seeking at any measurement time point. Self-esteem, however, moderated the relationship between perceived need for help and help-seeking behaviors later in the semester, supporting the cognitive consistency model such that those high in self-esteem reported fewer interpersonal help-seeking behaviors than those low in self-esteem when students perceived a high need for help in the course. Implications for future research are discussed.
Milton D. Hakel, PhD (Advisor)
Steve Jex, PhD (Committee Member)
Dryw Dworsky, PhD (Committee Member)
73 p.
Psychology
Image theory; help-seeking; information-seeking

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Smith, E. N. (2008). Longitudinal Accounts of Help-Seeking Behavior: An Image Theory Alternative [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1225750426

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Smith, Erin. Longitudinal Accounts of Help-Seeking Behavior: An Image Theory Alternative. 2008. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1225750426.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Smith, Erin. "Longitudinal Accounts of Help-Seeking Behavior: An Image Theory Alternative." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1225750426

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1225750426
797
© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.