Assessing the Threat of Utilizing Online and Traditional Help-Seeking Options in University Courses

• In Event: Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Using, Integrating, and Evaluating Information

Abstract

Two studies extended current understanding of students’ help-seeking tendencies given online and in person options from which to seek help. As anticipated, in Study 1 help seeking threat was significantly correlated with seeking help in person but not with seeking help online. However, no significant relationship was found between either adaptive or avoidant tendencies and intention to seek help online for students enrolled in an in-residence course. Unfamiliarity with the costs and benefits of seeking help online contribute to this apparent contradiction. In Study 2, participants enrolled in a blended course perceived threat to be similar for online and in person options. Given these results, suggestions for future research, implications for practice, and additional qualitative data are shared.

Authors

• Philip M. Reeves, The Pennsylvania State University

• Rayne A. Sperling, The Pennsylvania State University