ERIC Number: EJ1459138
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-8756-8225
EISSN: EISSN-1540-4730
Available Date: N/A
The Role of Self-Stigma and Depressive Symptomology in Mental Health Help-Seeking
Carrie J. Aigner
Journal of College Student Mental Health, v39 n1 p130-141 2025
Despite high rates of distress in college student populations, many students do not seek help for mental health issues. The context in which mental health help-seeking occurs is not well understood. Cognitive models of depression provide a theoretical understanding of how depression symptoms may promote the internalization of stigma beliefs, thus discouraging help-seeking. In the present study, it was hypothesized that self-stigma would mediate the relationship between depression symptoms and help-seeking. Undergraduate students (N = 712) completed an online survey that included self-reported measures of mental health, stigma, and help-seeking. Mediation analyses examined self-stigma as a mediator in the relationship between depression symptoms and formal help-seeking intention, controlling for gender. Both the direct effect of X (depression) on Y (help-seeking) and the indirect effect of X on Y were significant, indicating partial mediation. Future research should continue to explore diagnosis and symptom-specific effects on mental health stigma and help-seeking.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Mental Health, Help Seeking, Labeling (of Persons), Negative Attitudes, Self Concept, Depression (Psychology), Gender Differences
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A