Why do students in psychological distress not use psychological care?

Abstract

It is well established that some students face psychological difficulties, such as feelings of distress, major depressive episodes, and/or suicidal risk. This study aimed to shed light on students' use of psychological care and the reasons for nonuse among students facing these troubles and, by controlling the socionormative context in which students were interviewed, the role of knowledge about these psychopathologies and the severity and comorbidity of their disorders. In total, 316 students previously diagnosed for distress, major depression, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors were interviewed by peers in a door-to-door procedure about their use of psychological care and the reasons for their nonuse. The results confirmed the low use rate of psychological care in this clinical population (i.e., 8.23%). Students' knowledge about these psychological troubles improved the use of psychological care, as well as the perception of a need for use if care was not used. However, better knowledge was also associated with greater perceptions of structural barriers (e.g., not knowing where to go). These results support the need for psychoeducational programs that deepen knowledge about psychopathologies and also facilitate access to psychological care services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).