| This qualitative, phenomenological study examined the self-reported help-seeking behavior of students who were currently in counseling and/or students who had recently received counseling services at a college counseling center. The study investigated what students identified as the factors related to their help-seeking behavior and how they described the influence these factors had on their final decision to seek counseling. Research indicates that college students experience a great deal of stress, but few seek the formal support of counseling services (Hunt & Eisenberg, 2010; Gallagher 2010). Current research on help-seeking for counseling services is mostly quantitative, and focuses on a limited number of variables at one time, such as gender or level of psychological distress (Oliver, Reed, Katz, & Haugh, 1999; Gonzalez, Alegria, & Priboda, 2000). Furthermore, most research consists of surveying college students as a whole, not those particular students who have utilized psychological services. Studies such as these investigate attitudes regarding intended help-seeking behavior instead of actual help-seeking behavior. Intended and actual behavior most often differ (Vogel & Wester, 2003). A qualitative analysis was needed to reveal a more accurate depiction of the decision making process employed by college students when seeking counseling.;Eleven participants from two different universities were recruited to meet individually with the researcher for a semi-structured interview and were encouraged to reflect on as many factors as they could recall that influenced their decision to seek counseling. Participants were recruited via advertisements posted in public areas of college counseling centers. Phenomenological data was analyzed for relevant themes explaining the process of seeking counseling from the client's perspective. Improved understanding of the reasons young adults seek help will: (a) enable therapists to develop more targeted promotion of services, (b) reduce potential barriers to those seeking mental health treatment, especially underserved or disenfranchised populations, and (c) accurately address the concerns of new clients. |
