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.

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