@article{ref1,
title="Examining causal attributions for depression, alcohol use disorder, and schizophrenia in a diverse sample of international students at U.S. universities",
journal="Journal of American college health",
year="2021",
author="Friis, Elsa A. and Cherenack, Emily M. and Knettel, Brandon A.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="International students face increased vulnerability for mental health challenges, but underutilize counseling compared to their domestic peers. We examined beliefs  regarding the causes of mental illness, known as attributions, which may impact  treatment-seeking and stigma. Participants: Surveys were collected from 680  international students at U.S. universities. <br><br>METHODS: We sent invitations to a  computer-based survey disseminated via international student email lists. The survey  explored mental health attributions for depression, alcohol use disorder, and  schizophrenia. <br><br>RESULTS: Attributions differed significantly by disorder. Depression  and alcohol use were attributed to social stress and perceived as controllable and  influenced by personal weakness and lifestyle choices. Schizophrenia was often  attributed to hereditary/biological causes. Differences also emerged based on the  participants' acculturation, region of origin, and religiosity. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS:  Attributions influence perceptions of mental illness and may lead to stigma. Providers should incorporate discussions of attribution in student outreach and  counseling to address potential impacts on care-seeking.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0744-8481",
doi="10.1080/07448481.2020.1846046",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1846046"
}