Factors predicting help seeking for mental illness among college students

Abstract

Background

Evidence supports the contribution of various stigma-related constructs to help-seeking. These constructs have yet to be tested in a single model among college students, a group highly affected by mental illness.

Aims

Using data from 153 college students, this study examines factors contributing to help seeking for mental illness.

Method

Using path analysis, the current study evaluated a model of the relationship between level of familiarity, personal stigma, desired social distance, label avoidance, attitudes towards treatment seeking and intentions to seek treatment.

Results

Findings support a model of help-seeking describing the relationship between familiarity with mental illness, personal stigma, social distance, label avoidance, attitudes and intentions to seek treatment.

Conclusions

Findings suggest label avoidance, attitudes towards treatment seeking and intentions to seek treatment might be augmented through interventions aimed at increasing college students’ levels of familiarity, or intimate contact, with individuals with mental illness. Additional implications for practice and further research are addressed.

Keywords:

• Stigma
• label avoidance
• help seeking
• college students
• level of familiarity

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, KK, upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

No financial interest or benefit has arisen from the direct application of this research.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health [grant number P20MH085981].