Economic Value of Counseling Services as Perceived by University Students in Japan:A Contingent Valuation Survey

Hajime Sueki

doi:10.4172/2161-0487.1000127

Abstract

Mental health issues in the student population seem to be increasing and have resulted in an increase in the number of counselors. Such increase in student counseling services is observed even in Japan and is an important research topic. However, no study has examined the economic value of these services in the Japanese context. This study aimed to evaluate perceptions of the economic value of student counseling services among university students in Japan. A study using the contingent valuation method was conducted in which 462 university students were included. Data on sex, age, grade, annual household income, and experience of using student counseling services were compiled. The main outcome was based on willingness to pay (WTP) for availing student counseling services. Study participants indicated a median WTP of JPY 2,796 (USD 27.96) per year. Although lifetime experience of using student counseling services had a positive effect on their WTP, factors such as, sex, age, annual household income, and present use of student counseling services had no effect. Previous experience of receiving counseling influences students’ perception of its economic value.This study clarified university students’ perception of the monetary value of student counseling services, and these findings provide information useful to policy makers.

Highlights

Over the past few decades, mental health issues in the university student population have become increasingly prevalent and complex [1]
The contingent valuation method (CVM) is a well-known method of economic valuation for estimating the value of intangibles and is widely used when performing cost–benefit analyses in an attempt to simulate a hypothetical market by conducting questionnaire-based consumer surveys
The presented data reveals that participants clearly perceive the economic value of student counseling services

Summary

Introduction

Over the past few decades, mental health issues in the university student population have become increasingly prevalent and complex [1]. Mental health issues inJapan’s student population demonstrate a similar growth trajectory, leading to a concomitant rise in the demand for student counseling services in universities and colleges. Results of a structured interview revealed that approximately one out of five university freshmen met the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) regarding a major depressive episode [9]. In response to these statistics, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan suggested counselors be appointed in each university and college to help students identify and manage their problems [10]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion