MIND MATTERS: EXPLORATION OF MENTAL HEALTH PERCEPTIONS AND HELP-SEEKING BEHAVIORS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN KAZAKHSTAN
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Date
2024-04-22
Authors
Kengesbekova, Azhar
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Publisher
Nazarbayev University School of Sciences and Humanities
Abstract
This study explores perceptions and attitudes, as well as help-seeking behaviors in the context of mental health within the theory of intersectionality among undergraduate Nazarbayev University students. The research employed a qualitative design, conducting in-depth interviews and using thematic analysis to analyze the collected data. The results demonstrated that students have a comprehensive understanding and awareness of mental health, positively influenced by the university initiatives, social media, and religion. However, such intersecting identities like gender, socioeconomic status, religion, and experiences of stigmatization largely hinder help-seeking. B revealing marginalized groups in the context of seeking mental health support, the research study recommends considering these intersecting elements of identities in addressing mental health to ensure a more inclusive and effective approach.
The results illustrate that students of Nazarbayev University recognize the important role of mental health, including a positive outlook on it. The data demonstrates that although there is a uniformly positive notion about this concept, the way people conceptualize and explain it differs, influenced by professional aspirations, social media, and religion. Students also expressed an alarming tendency they observe in the broader society of Kazakhstan, exemplified by their personal experiences of facing negative societal perceptions about mental health, explained as lack of awareness and stigmatization rooted in labeling and stigma from the Soviet period. Despite facing negative attitudes in the past, interviewed participants are proactive in seeking help themselves, either through professional means, seeking guidance in informal sources, or finding peace in self-help sources like religion.
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Keywords
Type of access: Restricted, Mental health, Mental health perceptions, University Students, Help-seeking behavior, Socio-Cultural Factors
Citation
Kengesbekova, A (2024). Mind Matters: Exploration Of Mental Health Perceptions And Help-Seeking Patterns Among Undergraduate Students In Kazakhstan. Nazarbayev University School of Sciences and Humanities.