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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