Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Communication and Information

Major Professor

Laura E. Miller

Committee Members

Timothy L. Hulsey, Quinten S. Bernhold, Michael J. Palenchar

Abstract

This dissertation examines and analyzes the help-seeking motivations of college students who experience psychological distress. Many young adults consider and utilize professional psychological services in these decision-making moments. The process behind these motivations and decisions warrants investigation to successfully assist students in hopes of avoiding tragic outcomes, such as suicidal ideation. Multiple forces affect why individuals choose to utilize professional services or otherwise avoid them.

Through a grounded theory approach, twenty-eight young adults were interviewed based on specific criteria that established two sets of questions. One set of questions addressed the five participants who only seriously considered the use of mental health services. The other set of questions served the twenty-three participants who actually utilized professional psychological services. Many of those who accessed mental health services seriously considered doing so before seeing a professional in the field. These interviewees often benefitted from positive recollections of meetings with these trained mental health workers.

In thematic categorization, nine themes emerged as facilitators that prompted the use of professional psychological services. Eight themes materialized that functioned as barriers, which prevented or at least stalled the successful utilization of professional mental health assistance (Rickwood et al., 2005). Within Rickwood et al.’s help-seeking framework, an event of psychological distress typically occurred that spurred the need to seriously consider professional psychological intervention. As a catastrophic occurence that affected the mental health of young adults in many distinctive ways, the COVID-19 pandemic was assigned its own singular theme. Interpersonal relationships surfaced as another main category with the three following subthemes: hate speech and bullying, discouraging conversations and statements, and encouraging conversations and statements.

This study contributed to the current knowledge base with several suggested practical applications and theoretical implications. Amidst college life, the participants offered many lessons that provided profound insights into the psychological challenges of young adults. Study limitations and future research directions are discussed for further vital inquiries concerning young adults' successful mental health management.

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