A comparison of mental health literacy, attitudes, and help-seeking intentions among domestic and international tertiary students. Issue 1 (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clough, Bonnie A.; Nazareth, Sonia M.; Day, Jamin J.; Casey, Leanne M.
• Is Part Of: British journal of guidance & counselling. Volume 47:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 135
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: International students -- tertiary education -- mental health literacy -- help-seeking -- psychological distress; Educational counseling -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Vocational guidance -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 371.4
• DOI: 10.1080/03069885.2018.1459473
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-9885

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Limited research has examined distress or help-seeking knowledge and attitudes among international students. The aim of this study was to examine psychological distress, mental health literacy (MHL), and help-seeking attitudes and intentions among a sample of domestic and international tertiary students. The sample comprised 357 domestic and international tertiary students. Participants completed an online questionnaire package, with measures relating to distress, MHL, help-seeking attitudes, and help-seeking intentions. International student status was predictive of lower scores on MHL, help-seeking attitudes, and help-seeking intentions for suicidal ideation. Student group was not predictive of help-seeking intentions for emotional problems or psychological distress, but international students had lower help-seeking intentions for suicidal ideation. Educational interventions targeting MHL and help-seeking attitudes and intentions among international students may be required to improve help-seeking behaviours.