Introduction
We are delighted to present Volume 4 of The Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology (JUEMP). This volume features work that is first-authored by students from East Carolina University (USA) and De Montfort University (UK). The following people volunteered as professional reviewers for this volume:
| Reviewer | Affiliation |
| Dr. Fanli Jia | Seton Hall University |
| Dr. Albee Mendoza | Wesley College |
| Dr. Tyson Platt | Alabama State University |
The goal of JUEMP is to publish up-to-date, high-quality and original research papers that are first-authoured by undergraduate students. Please know that co-authours may be students or non-students (e.g., faculty, community members, etc.). We encourage and invite you to submit, either individually or collaboratively, your manuscripts for consideration. We also encourage and invite you to volunteer as a reviewer. Best wishes and thank you in advance for your interest and support of The Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology.
Sincerely,
Dr. D. Lisa Cothran, Editor
Volume 4
Jamadar, S., Griffith, A., Williams, J., & Ford, J. (2019-2020). The influence of culture and self-perception on the mental health care-seeking intentions of college students. Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology, 4, 1-7. (link to pdf file).
Abstract: Mental health issues are common among young adults, especially those attending colleges and universities. There has been a growing concern related to the number of unmet mental health concerns for students and the potential ramifications associated with this unmet need. Hunt and Eisenberg (2010) found that approximately 17% of college students experience a mental health concern, yet only 20% of those with a concern obtain mental health care services. One’s upbringing and background are known to influence decision making and are likely to play a role in decisions to seek mental healthcare; however, these norms can vary across cultures. In addition, depending on how one perceives the state of their own mental health, their intentions towards service utilization may be altered. The influence of culture and self-perception on intentions to seek mental health services were examined within this study. Results showed that students were more likely to recommend formal, professional, mental health treatments for their friend rather than themselves, even if symptoms were identical, 𝛘2 (1, n = 861) = 96.67, p < 0.001. However, there was not a significant relationship between participants’ background and their likelihood to recommend formal treatment options, nor background and attitudes towards seeking professional psychological care. Neither recommendations for seeking formal treatment nor attitudes toward seeking psychological care appeared to be influenced by whether participants were from “stoic” or “emotionally-open” cultural backgrounds. Identification of specific barriers preventing individuals from obtaining formal treatment warrants future research and will aid in the development of recommendations in how to provide mental healthcare-services to diverse university populations.
Tracey, R.L. & George, K. (2019-2020). “We don’t need therapy – We have Jesus”: An exploration of the impact of culture on perceptions of mental health and help-seeking behaviours. Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology, 4, 8-17. (link to pdf file).
Abstract: Previous studies have suggested that Black Caribbean (BC) and Black African (BA) individuals attach stigma to mental health (MH) (Shefer et al., 2012) and medical help-seeking behaviours (Campbell & Long, 2014). Additionally, Shefer et al. (2012) hinted that there may be differences between these two groups. This research thus set out to explore whether BC and BA individuals differ in their perceptions of MH and the type of help seeking behaviours they would utilise, if required. N=67 participants completed a questionnaire concerning their perceptions of MH, their preferred help-seeking behaviours, and whether their cultural and/or religious beliefs had an influence on these factors. A series of correlations and t-tests found that no significant differences existed between these two groups in these areas. However, interesting trends in participants’ responses emerged, providing support for the impact of factors such as background beliefs on how individuals interact with healthcare professionals, in accordance with the postulations of Horne (2006).