Mental Health Awareness and Help-Seeking in Portuguese College Students
Author Information
Author(s): Paula Saraiva Carvalho, Nádia Pombal, Jorge Gama, Manuel Loureiro, John H. Foster
Primary Institution: University of Beira Interior
Hypothesis
This study investigates the beliefs about mental illness and attitudes toward help-seeking among college students.
Conclusion
The study identified two distinct groups of students with varying levels of stigma and help-seeking attitudes, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- Females and third-year students had more positive attitudes toward help-seeking.
- Stigma was identified as a major barrier to seeking psychological help.
- Students with psychological support showed higher levels of psychological openness.
Takeaway
Some college students feel embarrassed to ask for help with mental health problems because they worry about what others will think. This study looked at how students feel about mental illness and getting help.
Methodology
The study used questionnaires to gather data on students' beliefs about mental illness and their attitudes toward seeking help.
Potential Biases
Self-reported measures may be influenced by social desirability.
Limitations
The sample was not randomly selected and had a gender imbalance, with a majority of female participants.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were female (75.4%), with a mean age of 20.04 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website