Date of Conferral

7-25-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Chandra Johnson

Abstract

In 2018 suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 24 (CDC, 2018). Suicide and other factors like HIV, depression, and oppression may serve as barriers to seeking counseling among African American same-sex-oriented men ages 18-26. Due to a previous gap in the literature regarding barriers to seeking counseling, this study may support counselors in finding ways to address the disparity in counseling utilization among this population. Grounded in queer and social identity theories, the purpose of this quantitative study was to examine if adverse childhood experiences, current civic unrest, HIV, and suicide predicted attitudes towards seeking counseling services (RQ 1), and to determine if these attitudes predicted the intention to seek counseling (RQ 2). Participants were recruited on social media and at social events where links and QR codes to an online quantitative survey were disseminated. The sample size was 51. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The results for the first research question showed that the ANOVA was statistically significant (p = .022), noting that the variables collectively predicted attitudes toward seeking counseling. In answering research question 2, the ANOVA was not statistically significant (p = .820), noting that attitudes toward seeking counseling services were not a significant predictor of intention to seek counseling services. Two limitations to the study were that the G*power sample size was not met and 60% of the study sample was on the higher end of the age range, warranting further research. Socially, this study supports the mental health and well-being of the target population. Being aware of what impacts their help seeking behavior may assist them in choosing to address the barriers.

Download

Share

 
COinS