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Factors Influencing Use of Mental Health Helping Systems among College Students in Korea  

Lee, Sun-Hae (Department of Social Welfare, Chung-Ang University)
Chung, Sul-Ki (Department of Social Welfare, Chung-Ang University)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion / v.25, no.5, 2008 , pp. 21-38 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the use of mental health helping systems among college students in Korea. A behavioral model of health service utilization was applied to examine factors influencing different types of helping systems. Methods: A total of 454 college students from four universities participated in the survey. A self-administered questionnaire measuring help-seeking behaviors including formal health and mental health services, informal helping system, peer group, and family support was used. Results: Respondents frequently turn to family members and peer group when in need, and age, sex, mental Health status, and attitude and knowledge on mental illness were significant factors affecting help-seeking behaviors of Korean students. While older students and those with more severe symptoms were more likely to seek help from formal resources, students with more severe symptoms were less likely to seek help from informal resources. Male students and those with negative attitude toward mental illness were less likely to ask peer groups for help. Conclusions: Study results indicate that informal resources and peer groups can be significant sources of social support for individuals in their late adolescence and young adulthood, however, their role as gateways to professional help is limited. Student counseling centers should take on a more active role in reaching out; implications for developing peer leaders as counselors and self-help groups are discussed.
Keywords
Mental health; Service use; Help-seeking; College student; Korea;
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