College students' disclosure of mental health problems on campus. Issue 7 (26th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Woodhead, Erin L.; Chin-Newman, Christina; Spink, Kristina; Hoang, Marlon; Smith, Sara A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 69:Issue 7(2021)
• Page Start: 734
• Page End: 741
• Publication Date: 2021-10-26
• Subjects: Accommodations -- college students -- disability -- disclosure -- mental health; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1706533
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To explore, in two studies, student experiences with disclosing diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health problems to faculty, staff, and peers. Participants: Participants for both studies were college students at two 4-year public universities. Study 1 was conducted in June 2016 and Study 2 in August 2017. Methods: In Study 1, participants had a formal diagnosis of a mental health condition, were registered for accommodations, and completed semi-structured interviews ( n = 6). In Study 2, participants ( n = 66) were mostly non-diagnosed and completed an online survey. Results: Study 1 interviews were coded for interactions with faculty (52% positive, 40% negative), staff (100% positive), and peers (31% positive, 54% negative). In Study 2, participants reported better experiences disclosing to peers than faculty. Disclosure experience varied by type of mental health problem. Conclusions: Collaboration across campus and community agencies will better support students with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health problems.