The influence of undergraduate students’ self-stigma toward seeking mental health services

Roberts, Brittany F. (2015) The influence of undergraduate students’ self-stigma toward seeking mental health services. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Young adults are rated as least likely to seek counselling services when the need arises in comparison to other age groups. Self-stigma refers to one’s belief that he or she will be socially rejected due to efforts to seek counselling and is a key indicator as to whether an individual will seek mental health services (Vogel et al., 2009). This study examined whether stigma associated with mental health services remains prevalent among undergraduate students. More specifically, this study aimed to identify the role of self-stigma and attitudes toward mental health services on a university students’ willingness to seek professional psychological help. Two hypotheses were proposed in this study. First, it was hypothesized that self-stigma would influence one’s willingness to seek counselling services. Second, it was hypothesized that high levels of self-stigma would be strongly associated with negative attitudes toward seeking treatment. One hundred and thirty-five students (118 females and 17 males) were recruited to participate in this study. Data was collected using a battery of surveys including: Intentions to Seek Counselling Inventory (Cash et al., 1975), Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (Vogel et al., 2006), and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (Fischer & Farina, 1995). Results from multiple regression analyses supported both hypotheses. The findings of this study may help mental health professionals to understand the amount of self-stigma that is attached to seeking mental health services and offer suggestions for addressing negative attitudes. The findings also indicate a need for additional research to both identify and monitor the negative influences of self-stigma.

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