Determining the mental health literacy level of university students and examining their attitudes towards seeking psychological help

Abstract

This descriptive study examined the mental health literacy levels and attitudes towards seeking psychological help among university students. The study was conducted with 317 students from a university in Türkiye. Data were collected via an online platform using a Personal Information Form, the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form (ATSPPHS-SF). Participants, with an average age of 20 ± 1, were predominantly female (89%). Most had previously sought psychological support (75.1%) and believed the psychology information obtained online was accurate (61.2%). Significant differences were found between residential location (p = 0.034) and maternal education level (p = 0.017) with the Knowledge Subscale of MHLS, and between history of seeking psychological support (p = 0.010) with the Resource Subscale of MHLS. Additionally, there was a significant difference between seeking psychological support history and mean ATSPPHS-SF scores (p = 0.060). The scores on MHLS (13.15 ± 3.38) and ATSPPHS-SF (18.38 ± 3.77) indicated moderate levels, with a positive and significant relationship between the scales' total scores (p = 0.000). The study concluded that mental health literacy is crucial for increasing the rate of seeking psychological help. Addressing the lack of knowledge regarding mental health is essential for early diagnosis, prevention and maintenance of mental health. It is recommended incorporating mental health literacy content into university curricula, initiating efforts to provide information about psychological help resources and engaging psychiatric nurses in educational roles on campus through multidisciplinary planning.