Mental Health Priorities: Stigma Elimination and Community Advocacy in College Settings

Abstract

Low rates of psychological help-seeking among college students have been attributed to a lack of awareness about on-campus resources and to mental illness stigma. One mental health advocacy organization, Active Minds, collaborates with its university-recognized student-run on-campus chapters to promote service use and psychological healthy activities. This study quantitatively evaluated 15 mental health priorities. Surveyed participants ( N = 46) represented Active Minds national office staff and on-campus chapter leaders. Factor analysis revealed 3 overarching priorities: illness awareness, community improvement, and stigma change. University leaders should consider collaborating with student-energized efforts to destigmatize and improve help-seeking behavior among college students.