
Honors College Theses
Date
2018
Major
Psychology (B.S.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (open access)
Faculty Mentor
Jessica J. Brooks
Abstract
Stigma surrounding mental health is one of many barriers impeding help-seeking behavior. This study had two aims: (1) to examine the relationships between mental wellbeing, internalized stigma, help-seeking attitudes, and demographic variables such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and marital status, and (2) to explore what hinders students in the help-seeking process and determine what would make students more likely to seek psychological help if they perceive a need for it. It was hypothesized that the relationship between internalized stigma and help-seeking attitudes would be moderated by gender, and the relationship between mental wellbeing and help-seeking attitudes would be mediated by internalized stigma. Participants (N = 242) completed an online survey through Qualtrics, and data was analyzed using quantitative methods for Aim 1 and qualitative methods for Aim 2. Neither the moderation model nor mediation model was statistically significant; however, statistically significant relationships were found between demographics and mental wellbeing, internalized stigma, help-seeking attitudes, and openness towards various therapeutic interventions. In addition, trends regarding the second aim are reported.
Recommended Citation
Morris, Christina H., "Mental Health Stigma and Help-Seeking in a College Sample: Barriers and Potential Motivators for Action" (2018). Honors College Theses. 380.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/380