THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA AND HELPSEEKING BEHAVIOR AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Mental health challenges are increasingly recognized as a major concern among university students, affecting their academic performance, social functioning, and overall well-being. Despite growing awareness, many students continue to avoid professional psychological support due to stigma, cultural beliefs, and limited access to adequate services. This study examined the relationship between mental health stigma and help-seeking behavior among undergraduates in Nigeria. A total of 150 students from a public and a private university participated in the study. Data were collected using two standardized instruments: the Community Attitudes Toward Mental Illness (CAMI) scale, which measures stigma, and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help–Short Form (ATSPPH-SF), which assesses willingness to seek counseling. A correlational survey design was employed, and responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that while students generally expressed positive attitudes toward mental health and professional support, many still refrained from seeking help. Gender differences were minimal, suggesting changing norms among young people. However, institutional differences were more pronounced, with public university students showing greater openness toward help-seeking than those in private institutions. The study concludes that stigma, institutional culture, and limited services continue to hinder effective help-seeking among Nigerian students. It recommends targeted awareness campaigns, betterresourced counseling centers, and integration of mental health education into university programs to promote student well-being.