McNair Scholars Research Journal
Abstract
African-American college students’ underutilization of mental health services is well-documented and has been found to be related, in part, to stigma (Masuda, Anderson, & Edmonds, 2012). However, literature indicates there may be additional reasons why Black students are disinclined to utilize mental health services on college campuses. Employing a confidential survey, this study of Black college students examined in more detail the exclusive, yet intersecting relationship that race, gender, and other social identity markers may have in determining individual comfort levels when discussing mental illness and receptiveness to accessing mental health services. The study hypothesized that both gender and other identity markers predict the comfort and willingness of African- Americans to utilize campus mental health services.