Thursday, March 15, 2012
Poster Area 2 (Foyer Outside Exhibit Hall C) (Convention Center)
Mental health issues affect a significant segment of university students resulting in academic problems and risky health behaviors such as alcohol and other drug use, depression, and suicide. Mental health stigma, defined as attributes discrediting individuals with mental health problems, is related to reduced quality of life and difficulty seeking treatment. The purpose of the study is to examine mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviors regarding mental health disorders among university students. A four-page, 86-item survey was distributed to students (N = 707) in undergraduate courses at a large metropolitan university. Results indicated a sizeable percentage of students experienced mental health disorders with depression and anxiety reported most often by students. The majority of students knew a friend or family member with a mental health issue. In addition, students felt confident in their ability to seek help for a friend or family member experiencing mental health problems. Perceived mental health stigma was associated with confidence in help-seeking behaviors. In addition, students identified several benefits and barriers to seeking help for mental health problems. Benefits included resolving one's problems and improving one's mental health whereas barriers included embarrassment, lack of social support, and denial that there is a problem. Study findings may benefit university health professionals and other health educators working with students. Information from this study may be used to develop educational initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of mental health problems and available resources, increasing perceived benefits to help-seeking and reducing barriers to seeking help for mental health problems.