THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURE AND SELF-PERCEPTION ON THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE-SEEKING INTENTIONS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Shamin Jamadar (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Mental health issues are common among young adults , especially those attending colleges and universities. There has been a growing concern related to the number of unmet mental health concerns for students and the potential ramifications associated with this unmet need. Studies show that approximately 17% of college students experience a mental health concern , yet only 20% of those with a concern obtain mental health care services. One's upbringing and background are known to influence decision making and are thus likely to play a role in decisions to seek mental healthcare; however , these norms can vary across cultures. In addition , depending on how one perceives the state of their own mental health , their intentions towards service utilization may be altered. The influence of culture and self-perception on intentions to seek mental health services were examined within this study. Results showed that students were more likely to recommend formal , professional , mental health treatments for their friend rather than themselves , even if symptoms were identical , X2 (1 , N = 861) = 96.67 , p < 0.001. However , the study did not indicate any significant relationship between background and likelihood to recommend formal treatment options , X2 (1 , N = 422) = .549 , p = .459 , nor attitudes towards seeking professional psychological care , t(832) = -0.592 , p = 0.554 , d = 0.091. Identification of specific barriers preventing individuals from obtaining formal treatment warrants future research and will aid in development of future direction in how to provide care-services to diverse university populations.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2018

Keywords

culture, self-perception, mental health, service utilization

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