Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
4-12-2010
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Eric Landrum
Abstract
The present study examined three help-seeking behaviors: willingness to seek help, type of disorder, and stigma attached to seeking help. One hundred and thirteen college students participated in the study by responding to a seven-question survey. Perceived stigma or shame for seeking help for sexual abuse or domestic violence did not affect college student’s willingness to seek help. When responding to questions regarding the importance of seeking help from someone they trust or from a trained therapist; the results indicated that college students prefer to seek help from someone they trust rather than from a trained therapist. This study looked at willingness to seek help for depression, sexual abuse and domestic violence. There were no gender differences; participants seek help for domestic violence and depression equally. There is a negative relationship between seeking help for sexual abuse and depression, indicating willingness to seek help for depression decreased as willingness to seek help for sexual abuse increased. This study showed that there is no stigma or shame attached to seeking help for sexual abuse or domestic violence among the college students that participated. The results also showed that college students preferred to seek help from someone they trusted as opposed to a trained therapist.