Understanding the Mental Health Stigma and Barriers for Help-Seeking Behavior Among Students at Truman State University

Samantha J. Garrett
Dr. Yuna L. Ferguson and Dr. Bridget Thomas, Faculty Mentors

Mental health of college students is a major topic of conversation within the realm of higher education. In recent years, dialogue surrounding mental health and available resources has been crucial to the Truman community. What has been lacking is the understanding of the student perspective and reasons students may or may not seek mental health treatment. This study seeks to understand the stigmatization of mental health among Truman students and its effect on students’ help-seeking behaviors. Truman students were surveyed about their perception of mental health at Truman, resource availability, and their relationship with mental health, including stigmatization and help-seeking behaviors. Based on research from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and cultural studies with a focus on college students, this study aims to answer the question of the ‘why’ behind mental health perceptions and student behavior.

Keywords: Mental Health, Higher Education, Stigma, Social Norms Theory, College Students, Anxiety, Depression

Topic(s):Interdisciplinary Studies
Psychology
Sociology

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA