Depression and Help-Seeking Intention Among Young Adults: The Theory of Planned Behavior. Issue 4 (4th July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zorrilla, Márcia Mónica; Modeste, Naomi; Gleason, Peter C.; Sealy, Diadrey-Anne; Banta, Jim E.; Trieu, Sang Leng
• Is Part Of: American journal of health education. Volume 50:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 236
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2019-07-04
• Subjects: Health education -- United States -- Periodicals; School hygiene -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Health Education -- Periodicals; School Health Services -- Periodicals; 371
• DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2019.1616014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1932-5037

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : One in five adults are diagnosed with mental illness in the United States. Young adults, ages 18 to 25, have the highest prevalence of depression (10.9%). Depression is also a risk factor for suicide. The current study applied the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors that influence help-seeking intentions on utilization of mental health services among a diverse population of young adults.Methods: The study designed was a cross-sectional online survey of 18 to 24-year-old young adults ( n = 430) who lived, worked, and/or attended school in San Francisco, California. The survey was available in English, Spanish, and Chinese; and accessible from August 2016 through March 2017. The online survey was a modified version of surveys developed by Mo and Mak, and Reavley and colleagues.Results: The demographic composition of the sample included: white (35.3%), Latino(a) (25.3%), and Chinese (21.6%); and primarily female (58.6%). Almost one-third of the participants (31.6%) screened positive for depression. Nearly half of the participants had ever met with a mental health professional (49.5%, n =213). There was a strong, positive correlation for attitude [ r =.61, P <.01] and help-seeking intention. Positive attitudes in help-seeking was a consistent predictor when using linear regression models.Discussion: The TPB variables, especially attitudes, were highly predictive in help-seeking intention for mental health services.Translation to Health Education Practice : Health Educators who work in college-based student health centers can use the findings to develop interventions at the individual and community levels.