Masculinity, Depression, and Attitudes on Willingness to Seek Help in Male College-Aged Students

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: Student Well-Being

Abstract

College students experience rates of depression significantly higher than those found in the general population. Estimates of the mean prevalence rate of depression in undergraduate students is approximately 30.6%. Scholars have historically confirmed that men utilize mental health care services significantly less than their female counterparts, and this significant gender disparity in mental health services utilization has persisted despite experiencing the same levels of distress due to a mental illness This qualitative study investigated male college students’ experiences and perceptions of mental health and campus help-seeking behaviors. Data analysis of long interviews produced six dimensions of results: (1) societal influences, (2) independence, (3) perceptions of masculinity, (4) minimization and distribution, (5) judgement, and (6) improved processes conducive to masculinity.

Authors

• Aresh Assadi, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Jim Vander Putten, University of Arkansas at Little Rock