Comprehending Support Decisions of Undergraduates Who Experienced Anxiety and Depression

Comprehending Support Decisions of Undergraduates Who Experienced Anxiety and Depression by David Vera MA, Santa Clara University, 2013 BA, National Hispanic University, 2009 Project Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University August 2019 Abstract A West Coast university has had an increase of students who have experienced anxiety or depression over the last few years and have not sought professional assistance. Students have stated that multiple factors contributed to their anxiety or depression, including difficulty adjusting to their new college environment. This challenge has disrupted students’ academic performances and often left them without professional help to deal with their anxiety or depression. The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry was to increase understanding of factors that lead undergraduate students to experience anxiety and depression and factors that led to their decision to seek or not seek assistance on campus during their 1 year of college. The conceptual framework that was used encompasses how Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior relates to help-seeking behaviors of students. Research questions addressed factors that contribute to an undergraduate’s anxiety or depression and what led them to seek or not seek professional assistance during their first year. Eleven undergraduates with a history of anxiety or depression were asked to participate in face-to-face interviews to address the research questions. Narrative analysis was used to analyze the data. The most common themes that were found to have contributed to mental health challenges were pressure, transition and adjustment, and roommate and familial challenges. In addition, the factors that led participants to seek or not seek professional help included influence by peers, affordability, and perceived stigma. Based on findings from the study, a white paper was developed to attempt to improve the institution’s culture of mental health by encouraging students to seek assistance for their anxiety and depression without any internal and external barriers.A West Coast university has had an increase of students who have experienced anxiety or depression over the last few years and have not sought professional assistance. Students have stated that multiple factors contributed to their anxiety or depression, including difficulty adjusting to their new college environment. This challenge has disrupted students’ academic performances and often left them without professional help to deal with their anxiety or depression. The purpose of this qualitative narrative inquiry was to increase understanding of factors that lead undergraduate students to experience anxiety and depression and factors that led to their decision to seek or not seek assistance on campus during their 1 year of college. The conceptual framework that was used encompasses how Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior relates to help-seeking behaviors of students. Research questions addressed factors that contribute to an undergraduate’s anxiety or depression and what led them to seek or not seek professional assistance during their first year. Eleven undergraduates with a history of anxiety or depression were asked to participate in face-to-face interviews to address the research questions. Narrative analysis was used to analyze the data. The most common themes that were found to have contributed to mental health challenges were pressure, transition and adjustment, and roommate and familial challenges. In addition, the factors that led participants to seek or not seek professional help included influence by peers, affordability, and perceived stigma. Based on findings from the study, a white paper was developed to attempt to improve the institution’s culture of mental health by encouraging students to seek assistance for their anxiety and depression without any internal and external barriers. Comprehending Support Decisions of Undergraduates Who Experienced Anxiety and Depression by David Vera MA, Santa Clara University, 2013 BA, The National Hispanic University, 2009 Project Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University August 2019 Dedication This is dedicated to the students who have allowed me to be a part of their educational journey since I started my career in higher education in 2005. Also, I am dedicating this to the students who participated in this study and shared their experiences with me. It was an honor to work with them. Lastly, this is dedicated to everyone who has experienced mental health challenges and to the counselors and departments who have helped them along the way. Acknowledgments I want to thank my lovely wife, Christine, who supported me through my highest of highs and lowest of lows during my doctoral journey. Also, a big thank you to my family, friends, colleagues, and most importantly my chair members, Dr. Sorrell and Dr. Orr. Thank you all for your guidance and infinite support.