There are a variety of applications of the IBM-HS.
The most common way to use the IBM-HS is as a theoretical model to ground conceptualization, measurement, and causal sequencing of the constructs that shape help seeking. For advice, visit the IBM-HS as Grounding Theory page.
However, the most robust way to use the IBH-HS is to follow a mixed-method protocol to systematically identify the primary help-seeking beliefs (i.e., the subset of salient beliefs that most distinguish those who intend to seek help from those who do not) of a population and relevant sociodemographic groups therein (Hammer et al., 2024). For a guide, visit the IBM-HS Mixed-Method Protocol page.