Murray State Theses and Dissertations
Abstract
LGBTQ individuals find themselves experiencing both mental and physical health concerns at disproportionate rates than cisgender and heterosexual individuals. However, LGBTQ individuals have been shown to seek help for these concerns. Studies examining this phenomenon on college campuses have focused predominantly on mental health concerns. This study hoped to look at both physical and mental health concerns and determine the implications of an LGBTQ identity on help-seeking behavior in college students. The study utilized quantitative research methods through targeted snowball sampling on social media and email. At the conclusion of the collection period, 61 participants completed a survey that included four instruments to gauge attitudes, intentions, and barriers to help-seeking behavior to get a holistic view of help-seeking behavior likelihood. Multiple regressions were completed to determine if gender identity and sexual identity would serve as predictors of help-seeking behavior. Overall, the study failed to prove predictability; however one variable was determined to have an impact on help-seeking behavior in the context of seeking help from a mental health professional during a mental health concern. Whereas the study did not find predictability, the study supported the need for inclusive practices on college campuses such as the funding of LGBTQ centers and the advocacy of inclusive policies, and justifies future research further examining the relationship between LGBTQ identity and help-seeking behavior on college campuses.
Year manuscript completed
2023
Year degree awarded
2023
Author's Keywords
LGBTQ college students, help-seeking behavior, health equity, health outcomes, inclusivity, equity
Dissertation Committee Chair
Brian Bourke
Committee Chair
Brian Bourke
Committee Member
Holly Bloodworth
Committee Member
Miranda Sanford-Terry
Document Type
Dissertation
Recommended Citation
Allen, Matthew T., "IMPLICATIONS OF LGBTQ IDENTITY ON HELP-SEEKING IN COLLEGE STUDENTS" (2023). Murray State Theses and Dissertations. 305.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/etd/305