Intersectionality in university mental health: the effects of Latinx identity and generational status on counseling barriers and intentions of college students

Helgren, Kiana Tagoca (2023) Intersectionality in university mental health: the effects of Latinx identity and generational status on counseling barriers and intentions of college students. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

Past research has shown that college students are exposed to a variety of stressors, which in turn affect their mental health. Over the last decade, symptoms of psychological distress and illness have grown among college students, curtailing academic success and decreasing motivation to finish their degree requirements. Additionally, rates for help-seeking remain low, while symptoms remain high, indicating that college students are not getting the mental health help that they need. While this itself represents a substantial issue, research also shows that poor mental health and help-seeking behaviors differ across specific groups. For two underrepresented minority groups, Latinx and first-generation college students, mental health problems and reasons for not seeking help are more unique and complex. This study included these groups specifically, investigating what barriers exist to seeking mental health services for Latinx first-generation students in contrast to White continuing-generation students. It additionally examined how these barriers are related to one’s intention to seek mental health help. The sample included 105 college students at Northern Arizona University. A hierarchical multiple regression was performed with three models, which tested whether SES (low vs. high), ethnic identity (Latinx vs. White), biracial identity (Latinx vs. White), student generation status (first vs. continuing), and six barriers to counseling (negative perceived value, ingroup stigma, discomfort with emotions, lack of knowledge, lack of access, and cultural barriers) affected one’s intention to seek mental health help. SES had a significant effect in model 1; however, it became non-significant once Latinx ethnic identity, biracial identity, and student generation status were entered. In the final model two of the six barriers, negative perceived value and discomfort with emotions, had significant effects on intention to seek help, while the other four were not significant. The results suggested that negative perceived value and discomfort with emotions are the largest reasoning behind the lack of intentions, attempts, and plans to seek help in college students.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	college students; counseling barriers; first-generation; help-seeking; Latinx identity
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of Social and Behavioral Science > Psychological Sciences
Date Deposited:	15 May 2025 21:37
Last Modified:	15 May 2025 21:37
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6127

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