Date of Graduation

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Psychological Science

Advisor/Mentor

Bridges, Ana

Committee Member/Reader

Levine, Bill

Committee Member/Second Reader

Miller, Elizabeth

Committee Member/Third Reader

Reeber, Joy

Abstract

The current study sought to understand help-seeking behaviors for diverse psychological disorders across different demographic groups. Previous literature finds that help-seeking behaviors are greater in non-minority women in higher socioeconomic statuses, and greater for neurocognitive disorders. This study focuses specifically on university students (N= 276). Participants took diagnostic measures and then were told their scores were clinically elevated for either anxiety or ADHD. Participants were then asked qualitative questions regarding their help-seeking intentions. Findings that were consistent with previous literature are that women were more likely to help-seek than men, and participants in the ADHD condition were more likely to help-seek than participants in the anxiety condition. Stigma was the greatest factor that decreased help-seeking intentions in participants. Anxiety was more stigmatized than ADHD. Ethnicity and socioeconomic status did not significantly affect help-seeking intentions in participants. This information is useful to determine what part of the population has the most hesitancy when in need of mental health care.

Keywords

Help-seeking; ADHD; Anxiety; Stigma

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