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Self-Stigma And Help-Seeking In First Generation Students: The Moderating Role Of Empowerment, D'Andra P. Johnson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Self-stigma of help-seeking (SSOHS) is a significant barrier for individuals that perceive a need to rely on mental health services for personal and emotional difficulties. SSOHS refers to the internalization of negative messages regarding help-seeking. Although help-seeking is primarily viewed as an adaptive coping mechanism, many individuals from underrepresented groups view it as a failure and threat to their identity, decreasing the likelihood that members of these groups would rely on help-seeking. Furthermore, many individuals from underrepresented groups are pressured to value independence, which can decrease their reliance on support seeking and increase the likelihood of health and educational disparities …