Psychological Help-Seeking Attitudes and Barriers to Help-Seeking in Young People in Turkey

This qualitative research sought to understand the needs of Turkish university students related to adjustment to university,
the sources they seek help from, their attitudes about and barriers to psychological help-seeking. Data analysis of interview
transcriptions from 15 undergraduates identified several themes. Interpersonal problems, difficulties with staff and authority
and future concerns were the most frequent issues. Students preferred informal sources of help in dealing with problems and
in the main did not seek psychological help when confronted with problems. Perceiving one’s problems as manageable and having
an unwillingness to disclose oneself to others were among the barriers to help-seeking. Students were also unwilling to seek
help from a professional unless the problem seemed crucial.