Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Higher levels of stress and a shift in support systems during the transition to another culture can put international students at risk for mood disorders like depression. Previous research supports there is also a higher level of depression stigma within Eastern cultures in comparison to Western cultures (Rao, Feinglass, & Corrigan, 2007). This may account for the strikingly low numbers from the Chinese population that seek and maintain professional counseling services while studying in the U.S. (Yakushko, Davidson, & Sandford-Martens, 2008). The present study sought to determine whether two self-produced Chinese videos regarding information about stigma, symptoms, and treatment of depression would significantly decrease stigma against depression and increase attitudes of help-seeking in Chinese international students in the U.S. Results of the paired sample t test with respect to the Social Distance Scale indicated a statistically significant decrease (t(44) = -2.14, p < .05), between the pre-test and the post-test in the participants’ desire for social distance. However, there was no statistically significant difference in participants’ association of negative attributes with individuals with depression. Post-test measures of attitudes toward helpfulness of different professions and treatment yielded no significant results, but attitudes toward the helpfulness of medicinal treatment of depression did significantly increase (t(44) = -3.93, p < .001). Therefore, our first hypothesis was partially supported and our second was minimally supported. Research with higher statistical power and a longitudinal design is necessary to further examine the relationship between these video interventions and reduction of stigma within Chinese international students.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Anthony Paquin, Ph.D.

Disciplines

Multicultural Psychology | Other Psychiatry and Psychology | Psychology | Public Health

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