Undergraduate Student Help Seeking Behavior During covid-19: A Qualitative Analysis

Poster abstract: Circumstances of COVID-19 (I.e., virtual learning, social isolation) have exacerbated the pre-existing risk for college students to suffer mental health problems. Although support is needed, help is rarely sought by students. Investigation into the underlying mechanisms towards not seeking help is warranted to minimize the long-term psychological impact stemming from the pandemic. In the present study, thematic analysis of Semi-structured interviews among 37 undergraduate students during the pandemic (Spring 2021) was conducted. Qualitative analysis of questions regarding why students did not seek support revealed 3 themes, namely “Don’t want to disclose”, “Don’t want to be a bother” and “Cultural Norms”.