Mental Health Stigma and Service Utilization on the NKU Campus

Abstract

Stigma regarding mental health can be a significant barrier to those in need of mental healthcare. While many universities offer counseling services, students may refuse to utilize such services due to prejudices concerning mental illness. This cross-sectional study aims to explore public and self-stigma experienced by the NKU students and its effects on service utilization. It is expected students exhibiting this stigma are less likely to utilize counseling services. The findings of this study should add to the body of literature concerning mental health stigma and inform practices NKU utilizes to combat such stigma.