Depression stigma, depression literacy, and psychological help seeking attitudes among school and university students

Abstract

Very little research has specifically investigated depression stigma and its correlation with depression literacy and help-seeking attitudes among students. This study aimed to assess the levels and correlations of stigma, literacy, and psychological help-seeking attitudes related to depression among a sample of high school and university students in Jordan. A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design was employed using an anonymous, online, self-report survey. This study included a total of 650 students aged 16 to 24 years. The participants were found to have high levels of depression stigma, low levels of depression literacy, and negative attitudes towards seeking psychological help. The most frequently reported sources of psychological help were family members, relatives, and friends. A significant negative correlation was found between depression stigma and depression literacy. The predictive factors of depression stigma were depression literacy, age, gender, education, father's educational level, family size, and having history of mental health problems among family members, relatives, or friends. This study provides valuable information on the common mental health needs and concerns among students in Jordan. The findings also highlight the importance of developing and implementing depression awareness and prevention education campaigns for students in schools and universities. Such campaigns may increase students' knowledge about depression, enhance their use of mental healthcare services, and prevent or decrease their risk of developing depression.