| Popis: |
Although the number of students receiving care from college counseling centers has increased, males are more likely to engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms in place of seeking care. This qualitative study explored mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors among male undergraduate college students. Semi-structured interviews (n = 27) based on three vignettes (anxiety, depression, stress) were employed to assess mental health literacy. Analysis revealed three general themes and associated sub-themes: a) knowledge of signs and symptoms (physiological, behavioral, and emotional); b) recommended help-seeking behaviors (do nothing, self-care, seek help); and c) barriers to help-seeking (social stigma, self-stigma, masculinity). Findings present a triadic interplay between the person, help-seeking behavior, and environment. Future research should explore this dynamic relationship to inform interventions aimed at improving college male mental health help-seeking behavior. |
