Help-seeking Intentions and Barriers Among Ethnically Diverse First-year Undergraduate Students
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Racialized students seek support at lower rates and face additional barriers to accessing supports; however, understanding the variances in help-seeking among students with diverse ethnic identities is needed. The present study examined ethnic differences in help-seeking intentions and perceived barriers among 894 first-year university students. Group differences in help-seeking intentions and barriers were examined utilizing a MANOVA and Chi-square analysis. White participants scored significantly higher on intentions to seek support from partners than Black participants, and from friends and parents than South Asian participants. East Asian students were overrepresented on perceived lack of need and language barriers. Multi-ethnic students were underrepresented on perceived lack of need and overrepresented on prior negative experiences with therapy or medication. South Asian students were overrepresented, and White students were underrepresented, on cultural insensitivity among providers. This study has implications for addressing disparities of barriers and developing culturally sensitive services to increase help-seeking on campuses.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Prasath, Prameshta
Institution: University of Toronto
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7203962143