Mental health literacy and attitudes toward mental health problems as predictors of mental hel-seeking intention among maritime students / Kaye Ann Poula C. Sagun, Jhosery Mae L. Adanza, Jaira E. Boston, Mardy F. Lendayao, Arabella S. Santiago, Nagile Lorraine S. Sarcia

Includes bibliographical references.

Abstract

The extreme occupational demands of life at sea make the mental health of maritime students a critical concern for educational institutions and the field itself. Nevertheless, research examining the mental help-seeking intention of maritime students remains limited. This study assessed whether mental health literacy and attitudes toward mental health problems predict attitudes toward mental help-seeking intention among maritime students in a Philippine State University in Western Visayas. A total of 258 maritime students from different year levels and degree programs served as respondents to the study. A survey was conducted, using three research instruments to measure the variables. The design of this study was a quantitative approach. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis to show the relationship among the variables. Results indicated that respondents tend to have low levels of mental health literacy, positive attitudes toward mental health problems, and uncertain intention to seek help from mental health professionals. In terms of the relationship among variables, there was a weak negative correlation between mental health literacy and reflected shame on self, and between mental help-seeking intention and perceived community and family attitudes and internal shame subscales. Finally, among six predictors, only perceived community and family attitudes emerged as predictors of mental help-seeking intention.

Keywords: mental health literacy, attitudes toward mental health problems, mental help seeking intention, maritime students, state university

Theses/Dissertations