Citation

Bohon LM, Cotter KA, Kravitz RL, Cello PC, Fernandez Y Garcia E. J. Am. Coll. Health 2016; 64(8): 593-603.

Affiliation

University of California , Davis.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2016.1207646

PMID

27386898

Abstract

Between 9.5% and 31.3% of College students suffer from depression (1,2). Universities need to understand the factors that relate to care-seeking behavior.

OBJECTIVE: Across 3 studies, to relate attitude, social norms, and perceived behavioral control to intention to seek mental health services, and to investigate barriers to care-seeking. PARTICIPANTS: University college students (N = 845, 64% female, 26% male, and 10% unspecified).

METHOD: New measures were created in studies 1 and 2, and were examined using structural equation modeling in study 3.

RESULTS: Partially consistent with the Theory of Planned Behavior (3) , a model with an excellent fit revealed that more positive attitudes about care and higher perceived behavioral control directly predicted higher intention to seek mental health services.

CONCLUSIONS: Educating college students about mental health disorders and treatments, enhancing knowledge about available services, and addressing limited access to long-term care might improve treatment rates for students suffering from depression.

Language: en