Date of Conferral

3-3-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Carlos Diaz-Lazaro

Abstract

Understanding the mental health seeking attitudes (MHSA) of Nigerian immigrants is a social concern for psychologists as it provides valuable information for developing outreach and clinical interventions. Unfortunately, there is scant and inconclusive research addressing potential predictors of MHSA among Nigerian immigrants, thus leaving clinicians with an unclear picture in understanding and the promoting the wellbeing of this vulnerable population. To address this gap, this study utilized the theory of planned behavior and Berry’s model of acculturation to explore if acculturation (positively), length of stay in host country (positively), religious and spiritual beliefs (negatively), and gender (women higher than men) predict favorable MHSA. The study used a nonexperimental quantitative correlational/cross-sectional survey design. A total of 92 participants completed the survey. Bivariate correlation analyses identified a positive correlation between mental health seeking attitudes and acculturation and a negative relationship between acculturation and religious beliefs. Other hypothesized associations were non-significant. A simultaneous lineal multiple regression analysis, conducted to assess if gender and length of stay, acculturation, and religious and spiritual beliefs predicted MHSA, failed to reach significance for all predictors. The study’s results could provide mental health providers with insight on the relationship between relevant potential predictors and MHSA. Furthermore, it could provide psychologists and other mental health providers working with Nigerian immigrants with valuable knowledge for the development of outreach interventions in supporting the mental health needs of this vulnerable populations, thus effecting positive social change.

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