Mental health-related stigmas and help-seeking intentions among international and domestic Australian University students

Abstract

The prevalence and severity of mental ill-health among university students in Australia and internationally is a growing concern, yet many university students underutilise mental health services. This thesis conducts two quantitative studies aimed at investigating 1) differences in stigma and mental health help-seeking intentions, and 2) determinants of help-seeking among domestic and international students in Australian universities. Study 1 compared 223 domestic and 119 international students who attended a mental health prevention program and found that both groups of students had high intentions to seek help from informal sources rather than formal or online supports. Compared to domestic students, international students were less likely to have sought parental help and had higher intentions to seek help from university counsellors rather than personal supports, despite greater reported personal stigma. Study 2 focused specifically on students of Chinese heritage(95 domestic, 215 international) to identify the determinants of intentions to seek online and face-to-face help in the context of cultural factors. Results revealed that international student status, longer time in Australia, better English proficiency, and lower mental illness personal stigma were associated with higher intentions to seek help online; whereas international student status, prior help-seeking experience, and mental health knowledge were associated with greater intentions to seek face-to-face help. Overall, this thesis revealed unique help-seeking patterns and challenges among international and domestic students, especially those of Chinese background. The findings also highlighted the complex relationships that exist between acculturation, stigma, knowledge, and intention to seek online and face-to-face help. To better support these students, universities need to provide targeted training and support programs to enhance mental health knowledge and address mental illness personal stigma.