Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Rosalie Corona
Abstract
Black college students are less likely to seek mental health services compared to other students. While previous research has identified barriers and facilitators contributing to Black college students’ help-seeking behaviors, the current political and social climate and pandemic have negatively impacted their mental health thus warranting the exploration of these factors again. This study aimed to identify the mental health help-seeking behaviors and attitudes of Black college students, the barriers and supports for help-seeking behaviors, their preferred service utilization providers, and their thoughts about promoting mental health help-seeking among their peers. Black college students (n = 21) enrolled at an urban university in the southeastern United States participated in semi-structured interviews. 61.9% of participants described having positive personal experiences and attitudes toward mental health help-seeking. Stigma was identified as the primary barrier keeping students from seeking psychological treatment, while social influence (e.g., family, peer) was reported as the most prominent facilitating factor. Students preferred to seek help from people they are most comfortable confiding in and who they believe to be the most trustworthy, which means they often rely on peers and family members for psychological support. Finally, 42.9% of students recommended targeted outreach to Black college students to increase mental health help-seeking behavior and decrease stigma. The results of this study build upon the existing help-seeking literature while providing unique insights from Black college students about how to promote mental health help- seeking.
Rights
© Troy J. Keys
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
6-25-2024