Gender and Ethnic Differences in University Students’ Attitudes about Mental Health Services

Abstract

ABSTRACT Using data from 1,401 university students, we examined differences between gender and ethnic groups in public stigma, self-stigma, negative attitudes toward mental health services, and reasons for seeking mental health services. Male students reported more negative attitudes toward mental health treatment, more self-stigma, and lower likelihood of seeking treatment than female students. Asian students reported more negative attitudes toward mental health services, more self-stigma, and lower likelihood of seeking services than Black, Latinx, Middle Eastern, and White students. This study aims to enrich the literature on ethnic minority students’ mental health attitudes, while providing practical implications for university counselors and other mental health professionals.