Abstract

Objective: To explore factors that influence college students’ mental health help-seeking behaviours.

Participants: Respondents (N=114,360) completed the American Health Association-National College Health Assessment II during Fall and Spring 2018.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study design was utilized with secondary data analysis.

Results: Mental illness positively and significantly affects the willingness to receive mental health services (B = 0.402, p<0.005), but the rate at which mental illness predicted help-seeking behaviours remain low (26.1%). Out of 47 factors tested, 31 factors were significant (p<0.01).

Conclusions: Those who sought mental health treatment following a mental health diagnosis were female, had sleep problems, reported abnormal aggressive behaviours, smoked frequently, used illegal drugs, had underlying health conditions, and were Whites. Those who did not choose or were less willing to engage in mental health treatment were males, had high alcohol-blood content, had speech or language disorder, reported lower finances, and were Blacks, Hispanics, or Asians. Implications: The identification of these variables can be used to support targeted mental health outreach and engagement services for college students with identified mental illness.