Predictors of University Students' Intentions to Seek Psychological
Counseling and Attitudes Toward Seeking Psychological Help
Abstract
Background: Mental health problems are prevalent among university
students worldwide. Studies have shown that most students do not
disclose and do not get the psychological help and the support they
need.
Objectives: The aim of this survey is to investigate the
intentions to seek psychological counseling (ISC) among university
students as well as their attitudes toward seeking professional
psychological help (ATSPPH), and the predictorsof those intentions and
attitudes.
Design and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among
a sample of 420 students at the American University of Beirut (AUB).
Results: Depression, test anxiety, and difficulty sleeping are
the three main reasons for which students would seek psychological help.
The source the students were most preferred to ask help was one’s family
followed by psychologists and psychiatrists. Students’ ATSPPH is a
positive predictor of their ISC, while students’ self-stigma of seeking
help (SSOSH) is a negative predictor of the ATSPPH. Moreover, students’
awareness of the psychological help system available on campus, free of
charge, is a positive predictor for both ISC and ATSPPH.
Conclusion: Different interventions are needed to enhance
students’ mental health literacy and awareness of the available
professional psychological help on campus.