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Article
College students’ disclosure of mental health problems on campus
Journal of American College Health
  • Erin L. Woodhead, San Jose State University
  • Christina Chin-Newman, California State University, East Bay
  • Kristina Spink, California State University, East Bay
  • Marlon Hoang, California State University, East Bay
  • Sara A. Smith, University of South Florida, Tampa
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1080/07448481.2019.1706533
Abstract

Objective: To explore, in two studies, student experiences with disclosing diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health problems to faculty, staff, and peers. Participants: Participants for both studies were college students at two 4-year public universities. Study 1 was conducted in June 2016 and Study 2 in August 2017. Methods: In Study 1, participants had a formal diagnosis of a mental health condition, were registered for accommodations, and completed semi-structured interviews (n = 6). In Study 2, participants (n = 66) were mostly non-diagnosed and completed an online survey. Results: Study 1 interviews were coded for interactions with faculty (52% positive, 40% negative), staff (100% positive), and peers (31% positive, 54% negative). In Study 2, participants reported better experiences disclosing to peers than faculty. Disclosure experience varied by type of mental health problem. Conclusions: Collaboration across campus and community agencies will better support students with diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health problems.

Funding Sponsor
California State University
Keywords
  • Accommodations,
  • college students,
  • disability,
  • disclosure,
  • mental health
Citation Information
Erin L. Woodhead, Christina Chin-Newman, Kristina Spink, Marlon Hoang, et al.. "College students’ disclosure of mental health problems on campus" Journal of American College Health Vol. 69 Iss. 7 (2021) p. 734 - 741
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/erin_woodhead/44/