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FACTORS INFLUENCING SELF-STIGMA AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS UTILIZATION OF COUNSELING SERVICES AT A HBCU


Sr No:
Page No: 1-4
Language: English
Authors: OMETHA LEWIS-JACK*
Received: 2025-09-10
Accepted: 2025-09-26
Published Date: 2025-10-01
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Abstract:
The current study examined college students’ attitudes towards utilization of professional mental health services and their self-stigma of seeking professional services at an HBCU. One hundred and forty-four students at Bowie State University (BSU) participated in the study. Students were between the ages of 18 and 47 years, with a mean age of 23 years. Students completed a Demographic Questionnaire, which included questions about alcohol and marijuana usage, amounts, and frequency, the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Help Scale (ATSPPH), and the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH). Students were recruited from several classes across the campus and completed the surveys in person. Consistent with prior research, results indicated a significant negative relationship between the ATSPPH and the SSOSH scales. Students who held more favorable views of seeking mental health services were less likely to experience internalized stigma. Gender differences were found in attitudes towards seeking professional help and self-stigma towards seeking help, with females demonstrating more positive attitudes and less self-stigma than males. Student classification proved to be a significant factor impacting attitudes towards seeking professional help, where test scores increased progressively across classification levels. Juniors exhibited the most positive attitudes, followed by seniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Students’ age, alcohol, and marijuana use did not impact attitudes towards seeking help or self-stigma towards seeking professional help. However, Students who lived on campus did not differ in their attitudes towards seeking professional help from Commuter students, but had more of an internalized stigma towards seeking help than commuters. These findings highlight the importance of targeted mental health outreach, particularly for male students and underclassmen, who may be more vulnerable to negative attitudes and stigma.
Keywords: seeking professional help, self-stigma, African American students, barriers to utilization, socio-demographic factors.

Journal: IRASS Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
ISSN(Online): 3049-0170
Publisher: IRASS Publisher
Frequency: Monthly
Language: English

FACTORS INFLUENCING SELF-STIGMA AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS UTILIZATION OF COUNSELING SERVICES AT A HBCU