A qualitative assessment of mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors among male college students

Abstract Although the number of students receiving care from college counseling centers has increased, engaging male to seek help presents a unique challenge. This qualitative study explored mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors among undergraduate men. Semi-structured interviews (n = 26) based on three vignettes (anxiety, depression, stress) were employed assess literacy. Analysis revealed general themes associated sub-themes: (a) knowledge signs symptoms (physiological, behavioral, emotional); (b) recommended (do nothing, self-care, help); (c) barriers (social stigma, self-stigma, masculinity). Findings present triadic interplay between person, behavior, environment. Future research should explore this dynamic relationship inform interventions aimed at improving behavior.