Abstract
Introduction
There is a high prevalence of mental health problems among college students in Korea. Although the usage rate for mental health services among Korean college students was not reported, it is known that the usage rate for Koreans is low compared to that in the U.S.
Aim
To explore the relationships linking mental health literacy to intentions of help‐seeking in a sample of Korean college students.
Method
Using a cross‐sectional study, data from 200 participants were analyzed using a structural equation modeling approach.
Results
Mental health literacy (MHL) had both direct and indirect effects on attitudes toward help‐seeking and an indirect effect on attitudes toward help‐seeking through stigma. The direct effect of MHL on attitudes toward help‐seeking was fully mediated by stigma.
Discussion
Mental health nursing professionals have a responsibility and a challenge to enhance MHL in college students through individual or group interventions.
Implications for practice
MHL plays a significant role in individuals’ willingness to seek professional help when in need of mental health care. Thus, mental health nursing interventions that include MHL improvement strategies would favorably enhance students’ use of adequate sources of care, and contribute to the prevention of mental health problems in college students.