Examining Causal Attributions for Depression, Alcohol Use Disorder, and Schizophrenia in a Diverse Sample of International Students at U.S. Universities

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  • Author(s): Knettel, Brandon A. (ORCID Knettel, Brandon A. (ORCID 0000-0003-2986-1579); Cherenack, Emily M.; Friis, Elsa A.
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Journal of American College Health. 2022 70(7):2176-2183.
  • Publication Date:
    2022
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      8
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Depression (Psychology); Drinking; Alcohol Abuse; Schizophrenia; Foreign Students; Mental Disorders; College Students; Social Influences; Stress Variables; Student Attitudes; Life Style; Individual Characteristics; Heredity; Acculturation; Cultural Influences; Geographic Location; Religion; Influences; Beliefs; Help Seeking; Foreign Countries; Racial Differences; Ethnicity
    • Subject Terms:
      United States; China; India; Brazil; South Korea; Iran; Germany
    • Accession Number:
      10.1080/07448481.2020.1846046
    • ISSN:
      0744-8481
      1940-3208
    • Abstract:
      Objectives: International students face increased vulnerability for mental health challenges, but underutilize counseling compared to their domestic peers. We examined beliefs regarding the causes of mental illness, known as attributions, which may impact treatment-seeking and stigma. Participants: Surveys were collected from 680 international students at U.S. universities. Methods: We sent invitations to a computer-based survey disseminated via international student email lists. The survey explored mental health attributions for depression, alcohol use disorder, and schizophrenia. Results: Attributions differed significantly by disorder. Depression and alcohol use were attributed to social stress and perceived as controllable and influenced by personal weakness and lifestyle choices. Schizophrenia was often attributed to hereditary/biological causes. Differences also emerged based on the participants' acculturation, region of origin, and religiosity. Conclusions: Attributions influence perceptions of mental illness and may lead to stigma. Providers should incorporate discussions of attribution in student outreach and counseling to address potential impacts on care-seeking.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2023
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1367363