Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Tolulope Osoba

Abstract

The mental health of college students continues to decline, leading to increased suicide rates among young adults. College campuses provide mental health resources; however, many college students do not effectively utilize the resources. This quantitative research study allowed for a deeper understanding of why college students are not using mental health resources on their campus. A non-probability convenience sample was used. This sample of convenience was comprised of students who volunteered to complete the study survey sent via a university email. The survey was created for the purposes of this study using social cognitive theory constructs. The instrument contained four Likert-style scales. Instrument validity was determined by three experts in the field, and instrument reliability was estimated through a pilot study. Responses to each scale on the survey were summed for scale scores. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample and profile scale scores. Scale scores were derived through a sum of responses in each scale. Regression analysis identified a key finding in that a significant association between perceptions of environment and utilization of mental health resources existed (R2 = 0.073, F(1,76) = 5.965, p = 0.017). In summary, perceptions of the mental health resource environment such as confidentiality, friendliness of staff, and the looks of the building play roles in their utilization behaviors. Mental health resource interventions could be designed and implemented based on the results of this study, influencing positive social change.

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