Attitudes Towards Seeking Mental Health Services Among International Migrants and U.S. Citizens: The Role Of Stigma
Open Access
- Author:
- Banerjee, Rhea
- Graduate Program:
- Counselor Education
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- August 18, 2023
- Committee Members:
- Amber O'Shea, Major Field Member
Carlos Zalaquett, Chair & Dissertation Advisor
Jose Soto, Outside Unit & Field Member
Jolynn Carney, Major Field Member
P Murphy, Program Head/Chair - Keywords:
- mental health
stigma
help-seeking
COVID-19
psychological distress
acculturation
international migrants
U.S. citizens - Abstract:
- The primary objective of this quantitative study was to delve into the mental health help-seeking attitudes of 26-57 year-old international migrants living in the U.S. and experiencing psychological distress, and comparing their experiences with U.S. citizens, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus was on examining the dynamics between stigma, acculturation, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on help-seeking attitudes, in order to illuminate the challenges faced by international migrants and U.S. citizens in accessing mental health services. Key findings revealed a significant negative relationship between stigma and help-seeking attitudes, with the influence being more pronounced for international migrants. Acculturation was identified as a significant moderating factor. Alignment with U.S. culture mitigated the adverse effects of stigma, whereas a strong affiliation with one's native culture intensified it. In the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the stigma persisted as a barrier to seeking help, the moderation effect of pandemic-induced distress was minor, suggesting that increased distress does not necessarily drive individuals to overcome stigma's barriers. Furthermore, a detailed text analysis of participants’ comments highlighted several challenges during the pandemic, including a pronounced sense of racial discrimination among international migrants. Amid the vast global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the results of this study serve as an important reminder of the intricate intersections of mental health, cultural identity, and barriers for help-seeking. Implications span from acknowledging stigma as a pivotal barrier to mental health help-seeking to the pressing need for culturally sensitive interventions. The research advocates for comprehensive, culturally attuned, and stigma-aware strategies, emphasizing the crucial role of policy frameworks, intervention designs, and ongoing research in bolstering mental health support across diverse populations during challenging times.