Understanding First-Generation College Students’ Help-Seeking Attitudes Using Structural Equation Modeling

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between first-generation college students’ (FGCSs’) help-seeking attitudes, public and self-stigma, social support, and perceived discrimination (N = 295). A convenience sampling was used, resulting in a total of 295 participants from face-to-face and online administration. Results of structural equation modeling indicated perceived discrimination positively predicted the level of public stigma, and a negative directional relationship was found from social support to public and self-stigma, suggesting the need for increasing support for the population. In addition, mediating effects of public and self-stigma were found. Specifically, public stigma fully mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and self-stigma, and self-stigma fully mediated the relationship between public stigma and help-seeking attitudes. Furthermore, public stigma partially mediated the relationship between social support and self-stigma, and both public and self-stigma partially mediated the relationship between social support and help-seeking attitudes. Implications for counseling professionals were discussed.