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
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.