Help-Seeking Behaviours for Mental Health in Higher Education

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Help-Seeking Behaviours for Mental Health in Higher Education
Language: English
Authors: Bryant, Ashleigh, Cook, Amy (ORCID 0000-0002-7008-7784), Egan, Helen, Wood, Jeffrey, Mantzios, Michail (ORCID 0000-0002-7476-3559)
Source: Journal of Further and Higher Education. 2022 46(4):522-534.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Mental Health, Help Seeking, Commuting Students, LGBTQ People, Age Differences, Student Behavior, Sense of Community, Group Membership, Ethnicity, Minority Group Students, College Students
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
DOI: 10.1080/0309877X.2021.1985983
ISSN: 0309-877X
1469-9486
Abstract: Researchers have studied help-seeking behaviours regarding students' mental health, highlighting their reluctance when in higher education. This study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers to formal and informal sources of help-seeking for mental health difficulties in students based in the UK. Data from 304 participants (82% females) was explored using quantitative self-report methods. The results indicated that help-seeking behaviours were related with living arrangements, sexuality and age: Commuter students were more likely to seek help from their personal tutor compared to those living on campus. Students who identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Questioning and Transitioning (LGBTQQ) were more likely to engage with off-campus services than non-LGBTQQ students and young people were more likely to seek informal support from family and friends compared to older students. In contrast, the findings show that student help-seeking behaviours were related with a sense of belonging and ethnicity: As students sense of belonging to their university increased, so did their help-seeking behaviour. Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) students were more likely to engage with professional services from personal tutors and mental health services in comparison to White students, who were more likely to seek help from their peers. Findings highlighted the importance of creating effective programmes that encourage students to discuss mental health and improve help-seeking behaviours.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1345646
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Researchers have studied help-seeking behaviours regarding students' mental health, highlighting their reluctance when in higher education. This study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers to formal and informal sources of help-seeking for mental health difficulties in students based in the UK. Data from 304 participants (82% females) was explored using quantitative self-report methods. The results indicated that help-seeking behaviours were related with living arrangements, sexuality and age: Commuter students were more likely to seek help from their personal tutor compared to those living on campus. Students who identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Questioning and Transitioning (LGBTQQ) were more likely to engage with off-campus services than non-LGBTQQ students and young people were more likely to seek informal support from family and friends compared to older students. In contrast, the findings show that student help-seeking behaviours were related with a sense of belonging and ethnicity: As students sense of belonging to their university increased, so did their help-seeking behaviour. Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) students were more likely to engage with professional services from personal tutors and mental health services in comparison to White students, who were more likely to seek help from their peers. Findings highlighted the importance of creating effective programmes that encourage students to discuss mental health and improve help-seeking behaviours.
ISSN:0309-877X
1469-9486
DOI:10.1080/0309877X.2021.1985983