Psychological distress, attitudes toward seeking help, and utilization of college counseling at a predominantly minority college

Abstract

Objective This study examined psychological distress among students at a predominantly-minority college, attitudes toward seeking help, and utilization of college counseling services. Demographic variables and associations between 8 problem areas (depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, academic stress, eating concerns, family distress, hostility, substance use) were explored. Participants Participants were 347 students at a large public university. Methods In 2016-2017, students completed a Web-based questionnaire providing information about their mental health, attitudes toward seeking help, and utilization of counseling services. Results Psychological distress was significantly higher for LGBQT, Muslim and female students and lower for Christian affiliated and religious students. LGBQT students were less likely to seek psychological help than other students. Utilization of college counseling did not differ by race or gender. Conclusions Administrators at PMCs must increase their efforts to disseminate information about mental health services and reduce barriers to seeking help, particularly for LGBQT, female and Muslim students.