Mental health stigma is a ubiquitous concern impacting help-seeking in the United States and worldwide, including in college students. Insufficient attention has been given to the cultural context of stigma and help-seeking in Asian Americans, constructs in which culture has inherent relevance. The current study was the first to develop and test…

This study examined the relationship between labels used to refer to mental health, whether or not participants were asked to reflect on their preconceived notions around these labels, and endorsement of mental health stigma across multiple dimensions. Based on the body of literature addressing how mental health stigma is transmitted via the…

The present study critically analyzes relevant literature on peer support and help-seeking behaviors among college students as it relates to mental health stigma. The purpose of this study emphasizes the growing concern of mental health in higher education as colleges continue to navigate the challenges to support students experiencing levels of…

Among college students in the United States nationally, non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behaviors have become alarmingly and increasingly common. Among those willing to disclose, recent estimates indicate 25-30% engaged in NSSI in 2020 alone. Prevalence is significantly elevated among students who identify as a sexual minority (i.e., lesbian,…

This dissertation suggests that student wellness will improve if signs or symptoms are recognized earlier. This dissertation critically analyzed the current literature and provided a basis for further research and future development of a theory that would maximize the various relationships students develop while on campus with faculty and staff.…

Suicide is a concern among college students and on college campuses across the United States. Prior research has shown a number of variables that impact access to help-seeking for students experiencing thoughts of suicide. The present study sought to examine positive and negative relationships among five psychological variables (self-stigma,…

Intercollegiate student-athletes face rising stress and pressures which challenge their well-being and mental health, and sometimes with alarming concerns. Over the years, supportive services and resources specifically available to student-athletes have not evolved at the same pace as student-athlete needs. Also, barriers and stigmas hinder…

Despite years of progress, there remains an academic achievement gap among minority and non-minority students in all levels of education. A possible reason for the persistent achievement gap is stereotype threat, which is a situational predicament that prompts individuals to perform in ways that mirror the stereotypes associated with their social…

Food insecurity strategies and resources exist on many college and university campuses to serve food-insecure students. Little is known about the decision process to determine what strategies are deployed and why certain resources are implemented. Knowing this information can help institutions that are planning to implement food insecurity…

Food insecurity (FI) is a concern for many college students, and contributes to significant physical, mental, and academic stressors. Experts have described the need for qualitative research. A better understanding of the experience of FI among college students may help to inform future research and interventions to support students on their…

Collegiate athletes experience mental health concerns at similar rates to non-athlete students, however, the student-athlete population underutilizes professional mental health help with only 10% of those in need seeking services. Criticisms of the extant research on student-athlete mental health help-seeking include studies that lack theoretical…

This study employs a mixed-methods approach to explore the experiences of Asian international and Asian American college students with the model minority myth, its impact on their mental health, and their attitudes toward seeking help. Specifically, the study aims to achieve the following objectives: First, to investigate Asian college students'…

In this convergent mixed methods research project, I address the question of why large numbers of college students take women's studies courses yet are reluctant to major in the field. Using availability bias and intersectionality as my theoretical framework I hypothesized that the reluctance to declare women and gender studies as a major stems…

Late adolescents face a multitude of stressors in their daily lives and must find ways to weather this distress. The attitudes and beliefs late adolescents hold about seeking formal help when appropriate can influence their engagement in formal help seeking behaviors. Previous research suggests that adolescents' willingness to seek help for mental…