Leiden University Student Repository

Halivni, Shir Rachel (2024)

Navigating Mental Health: Exploring the Influence of Stigma and Prospect Concerns on Therapy-Seeking Among University Students

Bachelor thesis | Psychologie (BSc)

Mental health issues among university students have increased in recent years. Despite the implementation of various mental health programs by higher education institutions, many students do not utilize them. The objective of this study was to assess whether self-stigma, public stigma, and concerns about occupational and academic prospects (COAP) negatively impact students' attitudes toward therapy-seeking. We hypothesized that self-stigma, public stigma, and COAP would each independently negatively affect students' attitudes toward seeking therapy. Additionally, self-stigma and public stigma were anticipated to correlate with COAP. Finally, it was anticipated that a multiple linear regression model with all variables would predict students' attitudes toward seeking therapy. Data were collected from 60 students enrolled in higher education programs in the Netherlands via an online survey. A correlation, multiple linear regression, and exploratory mediation analyses were employed to...Show moreMental health issues among university students have increased in recent years. Despite the implementation of various mental health programs by higher education institutions, many students do not utilize them. The objective of this study was to assess whether self-stigma, public stigma, and concerns about occupational and academic prospects (COAP) negatively impact students' attitudes toward therapy-seeking. We hypothesized that self-stigma, public stigma, and COAP would each independently negatively affect students' attitudes toward seeking therapy. Additionally, self-stigma and public stigma were anticipated to correlate with COAP. Finally, it was anticipated that a multiple linear regression model with all variables would predict students' attitudes toward seeking therapy. Data were collected from 60 students enrolled in higher education programs in the Netherlands via an online survey. A correlation, multiple linear regression, and exploratory mediation analyses were employed to assess these hypotheses. The correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between each predictor and attitudes toward therapy-seeking. Additionally, there were strong correlations between COAP and both self-stigma and public stigma. The multiple linear regression analysis showed a strong predictive model, with COAP being the only significant factor influencing therapy-seeking attitudes. The findings suggest that higher education institutions should focus on reducing students' concerns about the impact of psychological help on their prospects to encourage therapy-seeking behavior. This study underscores the need for further research on how students’ concerns about their prospects affect their mental health, well-being, and academic performance.Show less

Self-stigma, Public stigma, Concerns about occupational and academic prospects, COAP, Attitudes toward therapy-seeking, Higher Education Students.

Author

Halivni, Shir Rachel

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Health & Wellbeing

Supervisors

Nil Akyüz

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en