Opinions of mental illness and help-seeking among college students
Date
2009
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Abstract
Large numbers of college students that might benefit from university funded mental health services do not seek help. Understanding how certain factors (e.g., gender, type of mental health concern) contribute to opinions of mental illness may be beneficial in improving services. One hundred twenty-four female and 66 male undergraduate students were presented with brief written scenarios describing individuals with various mental illnesses (anxiety, bipolar disorder, bulimia nervosa, depression, relationship problems) based on the DSM-IV. Results support the hypothesis that the various mental illnesses are perceived differently (p < .05). Contrary to predictions, there were no differences between male and female participants, or for the sex of the student described in the scenario.
Participants also reported on utilization of campus services, potential barriers to utilization, and indicated the likelihood of seeking services if offered in additional locations. The majority of students (72.1%) reported utilizing the student health service, while 18.4% of students reported using the counseling center services. Results also indicated that participants were least likely to seek services if offered at the career center or in the residence halls and most likely to utilize services if offered at the health center and the student center. Information regarding previous experiences with and knowledge of mental illness was also gathered. As predicted, knowledge and opinions of mental illness were significantly correlated (p < .01).
The findings of the present study are limited by its small sample size and its low response rate, but useful information is presented in light of these limitations. Suggestions for practical implications are offered and directions for future research are discussed.
Participants also reported on utilization of campus services, potential barriers to utilization, and indicated the likelihood of seeking services if offered in additional locations. The majority of students (72.1%) reported utilizing the student health service, while 18.4% of students reported using the counseling center services. Results also indicated that participants were least likely to seek services if offered at the career center or in the residence halls and most likely to utilize services if offered at the health center and the student center. Information regarding previous experiences with and knowledge of mental illness was also gathered. As predicted, knowledge and opinions of mental illness were significantly correlated (p < .01).
The findings of the present study are limited by its small sample size and its low response rate, but useful information is presented in light of these limitations. Suggestions for practical implications are offered and directions for future research are discussed.
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Subject
college students
counseling center
help-seeking
mental health
opinions
social psychology
counseling education
counseling psychology