Witte, Rebekka, de (2024) Beyond Borders: An Exploration of Mental Health Help-Seeking Among International Students. Bachelor thesis.
|
Text
Thesis Rebekka de Witte (s4419138).pdf Download (858kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Mental health (MH) problems among international students is a large problem highlighted by previous research. International students tend to have lower help-seeking behaviour and engage in fewer psychological services than domestic students, though they are generally more prone to mental health problems. Only a limited number of studies focus on the factors that play a role in their help-seeking behaviour. This study aims to explore factors that play a role in the help-seeking behaviour for mental health problems of international students in Groningen, the Netherlands, in both lay (i.e. informal) and professional help as such study has not yet been conducted in this region whereas almost one third of the students is international. A qualitative approach has been applied to gain a deeper understanding, by conducting seven in-depth interviews with international students and one in-depth interview with a University Psychologist. Results showed that lay help is perceived important. Nevertheless, professional help is considered necessary at a certain severity level of a mental health problem. Further findings showed that various factors relating to cultural background, accessibility, language, and personal factors, played a role in the participants’ help-seeking behaviour. For example, the cultural background can stimulate or impede students’ help-seeking behaviour depending on the cultural attitudes towards mental health. Besides this, a language-barrier can hinder international students’ ability to express themselves to the fullest. Finally, waiting lists, high costs, and the perceived complexity of the Dutch healthcare system are barriers that play a role in the accessibility of professional help. To conclude, the research’s findings indicate that international students in Groningen might not be able to receive the help they need due to several factors. Several implications for practice are made to improve this situation.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Human Geography and Planning |
| Supervisor: | Oosterhoff, A.T. |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Feb 2024 10:42 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Feb 2024 10:42 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4461 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |