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College

College of Arts and Sciences

Major

Psychology

Faculty Mentor

Michael J. Spinetta, PhD

Faculty Editor

Michael J. Spinetta, PhD

Student Editor

Helen Hills and Annika Le

Abstract

LGBTQIA+ students face unique stressors: coming out and/or transitioning gender; non-affirming campus climates; and limited access to inclusive academic, health, and mental health services. Although LGBTQIA+ identifying people face these unique stressors, they are historically an underserved community on college campuses. Past literature shows that LGBTQIA+ people have higher rates of suicidality as well as higher rates of mental health issues; however, past research has not focused on their help-seeking behaviors. University campuses can be highly competitive, unhealthy, and stressful environments for students, which can be heightened for LGBTQIA+ people. Due to the fact that LGBTQIA+ college students are at a higher risk for mental health issues, it is imperative that their help-seeking behaviors are studied. Thus, this research investigates if being part of the LGBTQIA+ community (gender identity and/or sexual orientation status) affects help-seeking behaviors and the types of help that people seek. Findings suggest that the more open and “out” one is with their sexuality and gender, the more likely they are to be affected by societal stigma as well as seek help from various resources.

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