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ABSTRACT
This study aimed to examine whether Asian international students' mental health literacy predicts mental health help-seeking behaviors above and beyond known influencing factors. Hierarchical logistic regression was conducted in analyzing a national sample of 460 Asian international students who reported depressive symptomatology. Results indicated that students who identified as female and experienced more days of academic impairment were more likely to seek counseling. Additionally, having more knowledge on mental disorders and treatments and campus mental health services were positively related to help-seeking behavior. However, the ability to recognize the development of mental disorders in others was negatively associated with seeking mental health help. Implications for administrators, college program planners, and mental health providers are discussed.
Keywords: Asian, college students, help-seeking, international students, mental health literacy
In the 2019-2020 academic year, 758,014 Asian international students (AIS), comprising 70.5% of international students in American higher education institutions, hailed from 14 countries, with China, India, and South Korea being the most represented (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2020).
Studies show AIS struggle with various issues such as language barriers, limited social support, unfamiliarity with the American education system, discrimination, and financial problems, leading to significant emotional distress and depressive symptoms (Ее, 2013; Hyun et al., 2007; Mori, 2000; Poyrazli et al., 2004; Xiong, 2018; Young, 2017). Despite the emotional distress and reports of depressive symptoms, AIS significantly underutilize mental health services and exhibit low help-seeking intentions (Hyun et al., 2007; Maeshima & Parent, 2020; Xiong, 2018; Xiong & Yang, 2021; Yoon & Jepsen, 2008; Zhang & Dixon, 2003).
Given the growing number of AIS and their underutilization of mental health services, this study seeks to explore the role of mental health literacy (MHL) in predicting help-seeking behaviors in AIS, beyond known influencing factors such as age, gender, and academic impairment. As prior research has not focused MHL as a predictor in this context, our findings will inform targeted strategies to encourage mental health services utilization among depressed AIS.
MENTAL HEALTH OF ASIAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Limited research on AIS' mental health reveals unique struggles. Fritz et al. (2008) found AIS in the United States show higher anxiety, language difficulties, and challenges in making new acquaintances than European counterparts. Lian and Wallace (2020) reported over 70% of Chinese...