College Students' Preferences for Psychotherapy Across Depression, Anxiety, Relationship, and Academic Problems

Abstract

The present study examined differences in college students' preferences for processes of change across four kinds of problems: academic, relationship, depression, and anxiety. Two hundred eighteen undergraduates were randomly assigned to complete either an academic problems, relationship problems, depression, or anxiety Processes of Change Questionnaire along with the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Services Scale. Results revealed significant differences for preferred processes of change as a function of problem type. Generally, processes of change were more preferred for depression, anxiety, and relationship problems than for academic problems. Results may assist clinicians in selecting psychotherapeutic interventions to which college students will be most receptive.