This study explores where African American college students find mental health support and why those supports are chosen. Greater knowledge of the sources of mental health support sought by African American college students can assist higher education institutions in adapting current services to meet the needs of this specific student population. A qualitative phenomenological approach was utilized, and the study's sample included twelve participants, 6 female and 6 male, from a large public four-year university in Texas. These participants, undergraduate students with ages ranging from 18 to 24, were given a survey and completed two semi-structured interviews throughout one semester. Results indicated that study participants were more likely to utilize informal than formal support for their mental health and many had no source of support. Family stigma, peer attitudes, as well as internal and external pressures all influenced participant's choices to seek support. Based on findings from the study, recommendations for two distinct groups, counseling center directors and higher education administrators, are also discussed.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1505234 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Wood, Olivia S |
| Contributors | Taylor, Barrett, Adams, Joshua, Pasco, Gwenn, Bush, V. Barbara |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | vii, 109 pages, Text |
| Rights | Public, Wood, Olivia S, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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