The students of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College) for their cooperation and participation in this study. This study aimed to investigate the perceived benefits and perceived barriers in accessing psychological services among 1st year humanities students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College).
GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
- The Dynamic of Help Seeking Behaviour
- Statement of the Problem
- Significance of the study
- Motivation of the study
- The study‟s hypothesis
- Definition of key concepts
- Delimitation and study site
- Conclusion
Towards the end of the year (September-October), students used psychological services due to problems in partner relationships, depression and anxiety. This is due to the limited number of students who have access to psychological services at the University of KwaZulu-Natal at Howard College (College of Humanities).
LITERATURE REVIEW
Psychological Intervention and Psychological Assessment
Factors such as the adaptation and development of psychological assessment in South Africa should be considered during the assessment as they are under statutory control (Foxcroft, Paterson, le Roux & Herbst, 2004; Foxcroft & Roodt, 2009). Furthermore, in order for psychological assessments to be considered valid and reliable, they must be in the context of the population, be in the language in which the tester is most proficient (mother tongue), and must not be culturally biased .
Influences on Help Seeking Behaviour
In the study conducted by Cole, Stevenson, and Rodger (2009), ethnicity, physical health, and cultural health beliefs were found to be the most important predictors of help-seeking behavior. Furthermore, the white population was found to report their mental health problems more than the African-American population.
Reframing Psychological Services
According to Cole, Stevenson and Rodger (2009), older people believe that sadness is normal and a part of life and that the person is able to control their mental problems. 21 it was further stated that transforming mental health services into consultations or even seminars can help reduce fears associated with accessing psychological services.
Difference between Psychotherapy and Coaching
- Psychotherapy
- Coaching
However, Shy and Waehler (2009) believed that changing terminology could increase the likelihood of the general public accessing psychological services and that these terms could be used interchangeably (Shy & Waehler, 2009; Vogel & Wester, 2003). Shy and Waehler (2009) claim that during coaching the coach directs the patient about what to do or how to do things.
Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help
Because of these perceptions, it becomes challenging for men who conform to a masculine ideology that upholds self-reliance and limiting emotionality to seek help or reveal their feelings to others (Corby et al., 2011). According to Drapeau et al. 2009) Men are not as open-minded as women, and therefore they may be reluctant to acknowledge their mental health problems. In addition, the marital status of the man can also determine his help-seeking behavior. 2009) determined that married men can be easily influenced by their spouse to access psychological services. Although women can have a positive influence in encouraging their husbands' access to psychological services, cultural norms and beliefs may result in a limited number of men accessing psychological services (Drapeau et al., 2009).
Cross Cultural Beliefs: Global and South African Perspective
- Folk sector
- Popular sector
- Biomedical sector
Students' perceptions of accessing psychological services may be influenced by their personal beliefs or religious beliefs. Wei (2012) stated that religion can also be perceived as a barrier in accessing psychological services (Loewenthal et al., 2012).
Acculturation: Global and South African‟s Perspective
Predictors of Help Seeking Behaviour
This societal expectation may be the reason why a limited number of men have access to psychological services. Participants further reported that if you have a positive attitude toward psychological services, you are likely to respond.
Benefits of Accessing Psychological Services: Global Perspective
- Factors that enable accessing psychological services
Barriers in Accessing Psychological Services: Global Perspective
- Language
- Religion
- Gender/ Masculinity
- Stigma
According to Bathje and Pryor (2011), public stigma is a form of prejudice, consisting of cognitive, effective and behavioral responses from society, and can result in negative attitudes towards access to psychological services (Vogel et al., 2006 ). Furthermore, most people with mental health problems choose not to access psychological services to avoid being stigmatized, isolated, or discussing distressing personal information (Drapeau et al., 2009; Vogel et al., 2006).
Psychological Services in South Africa
Barriers to accessing psychological services may include the following; lack of services in rural areas, lack of knowledge about psychological services, lack of medical insurance, social norms, inappropriate mental health policies, centralized mental health care services and skepticism towards non-natives (Melville et al. , 2006). Furthermore, Naidoo (2000) reported that provision of psychological services was criticized as being centralized in urban areas.
Barriers in Accessing Psychological Services: South African Perspective
- Language
- Stigma
Additionally, their job will be to identify mental health disorders, refer, provide counseling and encourage community members to use psychological services. 43 mental health providers and patients may develop feelings of failure and hopelessness (Deumert, 2010). Patients who have difficulty understanding their mental health care providers may not understand the severity or seriousness of their condition and this may result in treatment failure or noncompliance (Duemert, 2010; Helman, 2007). .
Conclusion
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- Objectives of the study
- Research questions
- The study
- Research design
- Qualitative research
- Participants
- Sample description
- Measuring instruments and data collection
- Procedure
- Data Analysis
- Theoretical framework: Health Belief Model
- Validity and Reliability
- Ethical Consideration
- Cost
- Conclusion
The interview schedule was developed based on the assumptions of the Health Belief Model which gave the participants an opportunity to express their perceptions regarding psychological services. The development of the semi-structured interview schedule was designed to address the objectives of the study (see APPENDIX ONE). Before the interviews were conducted, participants were informed about the aim and purpose of the study.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Knowledge about Mental Health Services
- Understanding of psychological services
Mmm, my understanding of psychological services is that mm if you are (how can I say this) a psychologist and you offer your services, whether clinical, or depending on where you are, those are the services you offer to us ”. You know where you provide counseling services, where you provide uhmm support services, where you provide uhmm care, and so on.”. Uhmm, I'm not that familiar with it, but from the little information I have it seems more like ummm, counseling and diagnosing someone's problems”.
Students‟ Perceptions of psychological problems that people are likely to seek
Only one participant from the white population reported that language, education level, and cost are not barriers to accessing psychological services. Similarly, Seabi and Samouilhan (2010) found that students' negative attitudes toward psychological services and mental illness may be a result of the lack or limited knowledge about mental health. Participants of different races in this study reported that psychological services are not readily available to everyone.
All of the participants interviewed for this study reported never accessing or using psychological services. Participants reported that the delay or avoidance of seeking behavior may be associated with pride and shame associated with mental illness and psychological services.
Availability on Mental Health Care Services in Communities
- Students‟ perceptions of what promotes accessibility to services
Understanding the Role of Mental Health Services in Relation to Wellness
- Students‟ perceptions regarding psychological services
- Students‟ perceptions regarding vulnerability to psychological
There appear to be similarities in students' perspective of what are perceived as barriers or benefits of accessing psychological services. In addition, participants reported that accessing psychological services can be a challenge as psychologists are found in private hospitals and at a high cost. Participants further reported that psychological services can be beneficial during exams as they usually experience high levels of distress.
103 access to psychological services can be determined by the assurance that the sessions will remain confidential. Barriers to accessing psychological services include language, level of education, stigma and gender roles (perceived barriers).
Students‟ Perception of Personal Vulnerability to Mental Health
Students‟ Perceptions of Mental Health Services
- Students‟ perceptions on how psychological services can be of benefit
- Obstacles to accessing mental health services
- Students‟ perceptions on barriers of accessing psychological services
Further, participants stated that their peers' attitudes toward psychological services may also influence their perceptions and help guide research behavior. According to Campbell, Kearns and Patchin (2006) illiteracy appears to be a serious issue in South Africa and may be one of the barriers to accessing professional psychological services. The role of men in the community was perceived by both men and women as a barrier to accessing psychological services.
Students‟ Perceptions Regarding Gender and Accessing Psychological Services
- Masculinity as an obstacle
The Influence of Society in Relation to Mental Health and Psychological
So obviously it can spread and they will tell people what they believe this person is going through and it may not be the truth. It can be devastating, but overall it also depends, let's say the person is a higher family member and I know he is going through this and I suggest that you please see a psychologist. If many people know that this person is going through personal hell or trauma then they will need to understand that this person is going to a real place to sort themselves out.
The Influence Peers have on Access to Psychological Services
Therefore, the findings indicated that lack of information about psychological services may lead to underutilization of psychological services. Some participants in this study reported that although they may be aware of the psychological services available to them, they still choose other resources when dealing with psychological distress. Participants in this study reported that most people are only able to access psychological services when their illness has progressed and is more severe and visible.
Students‟ Perceptions of Protective/ Risk Outcome for Accessing Psychological
- The effect of confidentiality on students‟ access to services
- Personal perceptions regarding confiding/ disclosing to a professional
- Students‟ understanding and expectations of the therapeutic alliance
Alternative Form of Interventions
- The impact of culture, tradition and religion on mental illness
Motivation towards Help Seeking Behaviour
- Students‟ perceptions of support on behaviour change
But if the family supports you, it is easier to face the problems and if you are not alone". Yes, definitely because if you don't have any support from your family, then you will rely more on the psychologist on campus." Otherwise, if you don't get support, you may feel like you don't need to see them anymore.
Factors that may Cue Students to take Action
Well on campus I think, if you can have a day where like you know like the condom protest thing. Yes, if you can do something like this for psychology and psychological services then I think people will be more aware of them and yes spread the word". They will look at it visually and see that it applies to them or people will talk to them and tell them or word of mouth”.
Conclusion
I think if people tell them that there is something wrong with them, campaigns or advertising. According to Castonguay, Constantino and Holtforth (2006), therapeutic alliance can result in positive therapeutic change during the treatment process.
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
- Perceived Susceptibility
- Perceived Barriers
- Students‟ perceptions on barriers of accessing psychological services
- Perceived Benefits
- Perceived Seriousness
- Self-Efficacy
- The importance of disclosure, confidentiality and therapeutic alliance
- Preferred/ Reported forms of healing
- Psychological problems that students are likely to seek help for
- Cue to Action
- Summary
They were also not aware of the availability of psychological services in their local hospitals, while some reported that they are aware of their availability in private settings at a higher cost. Thompson, Hunt, and Issakidis (2004) stated that most people do not access psychological services until their symptoms are severe. The limited access to psychological services may be associated with low economic status and social factors such as stigma and lack of support from family and friends (Kakuma, et al., 2010; WHO, 2009).
SUMMARY, LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Cultural Belief
- Gender Difference
- Perceptions of Mental Illness
- Limitations of the study
- Recommendations from the study
- Recommendations for future research
Development of mental health training for health volunteers in a township in South Africa. Primary health care research and development t. The influence of social anchoring on the gender difference in the use of mental health services. Mental health stigma: What is being done to raise awareness and reduce stigma in South Africa.
