ERIC Number: EJ1220366
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Depression and Help-Seeking Intention among Young Adults: The Theory of Planned Behavior
Zorrilla, Márcia Mónica; Modeste, Naomi; Gleason, Peter C.; Sealy, Diadrey-Anne; Banta, Jim E.; Trieu, Sang Leng
American Journal of Health Education, v50 n4 p236-244 2019
Background: One in five adults are diagnosed with mental illness in the United States. Young adults, ages 18 to 25, have the highest prevalence of depression (10.9%). Depression is also a risk factor for suicide. The current study applied the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors that influence help-seeking intentions on utilization of mental health services among a diverse population of young adults. Methods: The study designed was a cross-sectional online survey of 18 to 24-year-old young adults (n= 430) who lived, worked, and/or attended school in San Francisco, California. The survey was available in English, Spanish, and Chinese; and accessible from August 2016 through March 2017. The online survey was a modified version of surveys developed by Mo and Mak, and Reavley and colleagues. Results: The demographic composition of the sample included: white (35.3%), Latino(a) (25.3%), and Chinese (21.6%); and primarily female (58.6%). Almost one-third of the participants (31.6%) screened positive for depression. Nearly half of the participants had ever met with a mental health professional (49.5%, n=213). There was a strong, positive correlation for attitude [r=0.61, P<0.01] and help-seeking intention. Positive attitudes in help-seeking was a consistent predictor when using linear regression models. Discussion: The TPB variables, especially attitudes, were highly predictive in help-seeking intention for mental health services. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Educators who work in college-based student health centers can use the findings to develop interventions at the individual and community levels.
Descriptors: Depression (Psychology), Help Seeking, Intention, Young Adults, Predictor Variables, Health Services, Mental Health, Mental Disorders, Correlation, Attitudes, Individual Characteristics, Age Differences, Gender Differences, Racial Differences, Educational Attainment, Place of Residence, Family Influence, Substance Abuse, Barriers
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California (San Francisco)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A