Forty-nine suicide cases were drawn from an original sample of 151 consecutive youth suicide deaths. We used information from 270 interviews with parents and other survivors to evaluate mental health treatment sought for and by the decedent and barriers to mental health treatment. Participants reported the same primary barriers for the decedent:…

The goal of this study was to examine the use of specific coping strategies among self-mutilating college students. The self-mutilating group (n = 44) reported utilizing avoidance strategies more often than did a control group (n = 44) matched for general psychological distress but with no history of self-mutilation. In addition, female, but not…

Research on the qualities and characteristics that individuals value in those from whom they seek "career help" is very limited. Existing studies provide little insight into the meaning behind the labels individuals use to identify valued qualities and characteristics. We address this neglected area using qualitative interviews based on life story…

Studies have found that individuals with bulimia nervosa can be classified into dietary and dietary-negative affect subtypes and that the latter exhibit greater eating pathology, psychiatric comorbidity, and functional impairment; a more protracted clinical course; and a worse treatment response. In this report, the authors describe 2 prospective…

Ethnic groups differ in rates of suicidal behaviors among youths, the context within which suicidal behavior occurs (e.g., different precipitants, vulnerability and protective factors, and reactions to suicidal behaviors), and patterns of help-seeking. In this article, the authors discuss the cultural context of suicidal behavior among African…

This digest addresses one of the most recognized, yet unofficial, special populations on college campuses nationwide-- college student athletes. It is proposed that misconceptions and stereotypical viewpoints have hindered the development of effective counseling interventions with this population. Although college counseling centers are available,…

Using a sample of 30 African American adolescents, explores the relationship between self-esteem and participation in a supportive prenatal care program designed specifically for this age group. Findings indicate no significant relationship between the overall self-esteem construct and use of prenatal care services. (GR)

Study examined the role of social support in moderating the relationship between psychological distress and willingness to seek psychological help in 158 Black and Latino college students from a large, predominantly White university. Authors found that a social support network served as a significant moderator for Black college students but not…

Highlights the Openness to Therapy Assessment (OTA), a test designed to help clients entering therapy to feel more comfortable. The OTA includes such issues as confidentiality, feeling hopeless, feeling ashamed of going to a therapist, and being afraid of going for therapy. The self-evaluation also includes how to deal with these fears. (GCP)

Examines whether prisoners seek help from mental health professionals, and assesses the validity and utility of a short form of the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS) for assessing prison inmates' help-seeking attitudes. Results were consistent with previous research, and indicated that male inmates (N = 173)…

A vignette depicting classical features of major depression was presented to subjects along with questions related to mental health literacy. Responses of those with major depression were compared to those of a control group. Results demonstrated that despite increased professional contact by those with major depression and suicidal ideation,…

In a study among undergraduates (n=257), results revealed that even though self-concealment was associated with less favorable attitudes toward seeking help, it was also associated with greater intentions to seek counseling. In another study, high self-concealers read a description of counseling that indicated that counseling involves revealing…

Needs for help reported by 1,260 homeless men and women in New York (New York) were studied through interviews. Fundamental survival demands were most frequently cited by men and women, with gender differences most apparent in areas in which gender differences have been identified in the general population. (SLD)

Explores which career services were perceived as most beneficial by unemployed and employed job seekers applying for staff positions at one university. Applicants (n=168) for variety of jobs completed Career Services Survey and regular application forms. Found that employment agencies were most frequently used professional career service, followed…

Examines the relation of gender role conflict to certain aspects of gay men's psychological experience. Gay men with less gender role conflict had a more positive view of seeking psychological help and reported fewer symptoms of anger, anxiety, and depression. (Author/JDM)