College students’ disclosure of mental health problems on campus

Publication Date

1-1-2021

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of American College Health

Volume

69

Issue

7

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2019.1706533

First Page

734

Last Page

741

Abstract

Objective: To explore, in two studies, student experiences with disclosing diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health problems to faculty, staff, and peers. Participants: Participants for both studies were college students at two 4-year public universities. Study 1 was conducted in June 2016 and Study 2 in August 2017. Methods: In Study 1, participants had a formal diagnosis of a mental health condition, were registered for accommodations, and completed semi-structured interviews (n = 6). In Study 2, participants (n = 66) were mostly non-diagnosed and completed an online survey. Results: Study 1 interviews were coded for interactions with faculty (52% positive, 40% negative), staff (100% positive), and peers (31% positive, 54% negative). In Study 2, participants reported better experiences disclosing to peers than faculty. Disclosure experience varied by type of mental health problem. Conclusions: Collaboration across campus and community agencies will better support students with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health problems.

Funding Sponsor

California State University

Keywords

Accommodations, college students, disability, disclosure, mental health

Department

Psychology

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