Evaluating mental health literacy amongst US college students: a cross sectional study

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> This study examined levels of mental health literacy amongst US university students, as well as relationships between mental health literacy, help-seeking behaviors, and mental health outcomes. <b>Participants:</b> Three hundred and twenty-six (326) US university students participated in this study online. <b>Methods:</b> Participants filled out questionnaires that assessed their mental health literacy, intentions to seek support, psychological distress, wellbeing, and self-compassion. <b>Results:</b> The mean mental health literacy score was 123.96 (<i>SD</i> = 16.01). Women scored significantly higher than men (<i>p</i> < .01) on mental health literacy. Individuals who had a previous mental disorder diagnosis had significantly higher scores than those with no previous diagnosis (<i>p</i> < .01). A significant positive relationship was found between mental health literacy and self-compassion (<i>p</i> < .01). <b>Conclusions</b>: Our research highlights significant differences between women and men in relation to mental health literacy, psychological distress, and help-seeking behavior. There is a need to design culturally competent interventions that involve diverse students.