TY - JOUR
T1 - Determinants of Psychological Help-Seeking Intentions of University Students in Ghana
AU - Andoh–Arthur, Johnny
AU - Oppong Asante, Kwaku
AU - Osafo, Joseph
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2015, Springer Science+Business Media New York.
PY - 2015/10/7
Y1 - 2015/10/7
N2 - Non-utilization of mental health resources is a well-documented problem among adolescents and young adults. However, little is known about the psychological help-seeking intentions of young adults in Ghana. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of psychological help-seeking intentions among university students in Accra, Ghana (N = 270). Using a cross-sectional survey, data was collected using standardised questionnaires (Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale [ATSPPH], Self-Stigma of Seeking Help [SSOSH], Social Stigma of Receiving Psychological Help Scale [SSRPH] and Perceived Social Support [MSPSS]) from students in a public university on the determinants of intentions of seeking psychological help. Data was analyzed using standard multiple regression. Results indicated that for this population, the intention of seeking psychological help was moderate, but varied according to the year of study. Out of the four (4) predictors, ATSPPH, SSOSH and Perceived Social Support significantly predicted intentions to seeking psychological help. Key findings and practical implications for research and psychological interventions are discussed.
AB - Non-utilization of mental health resources is a well-documented problem among adolescents and young adults. However, little is known about the psychological help-seeking intentions of young adults in Ghana. The aim of this study was to examine the predictors of psychological help-seeking intentions among university students in Accra, Ghana (N = 270). Using a cross-sectional survey, data was collected using standardised questionnaires (Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale [ATSPPH], Self-Stigma of Seeking Help [SSOSH], Social Stigma of Receiving Psychological Help Scale [SSRPH] and Perceived Social Support [MSPSS]) from students in a public university on the determinants of intentions of seeking psychological help. Data was analyzed using standard multiple regression. Results indicated that for this population, the intention of seeking psychological help was moderate, but varied according to the year of study. Out of the four (4) predictors, ATSPPH, SSOSH and Perceived Social Support significantly predicted intentions to seeking psychological help. Key findings and practical implications for research and psychological interventions are discussed.
KW - Ghana
KW - Help-seeking intention
KW - Mental health
KW - Social support
KW - Stigma
KW - University students
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84946479692&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10447-015-9247-2
DO - 10.1007/s10447-015-9247-2
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84946479692
SN - 0165-0653
VL - 37
SP - 330
EP - 345
JO - International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
JF - International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
IS - 4
ER -
