Helpers' characteristics and problem intimacy as determinants of emotions associated with help-seeking

Female university students (N = 158) rated their readiness to seek help from a professional helper described to them, as well as the emotions that would accompany their decision. Readiness to seek help was associated with the anticipation of positive emotions. A significant 3-way interaction indicated that helpers' emotional behavior is especially meaningful when either the helper is not perceived as an expert and the help-seeker is bothered by a non-intimate problem, or when the helper is an expert and the help-seeker is bothered by an intimate problem. It is suggested that helper's characteristics may significantly influence the amount of positive, rather than negative, emotions anticipated through help-seeking, as well as the readiness to ask for help.