The Relationship between Perceived Benefits, Barriers, Social Support and Intention to Seek Mental Health Counseling Services among University Students

Background: Mental health issues are a growing concern among university students worldwide. In Tanzania, the cultural context, awareness, and accessibility of mental health counseling services (MHCS) play a significant role in shaping students' intentions to seek help. Despite the prevalence of the challenges and availability of counseling services, studies reported that utilization of such services is very low. This study investigates how perceived benefits, barriers, and social support influence university students' intentions to seek MHCS. Methods: This quantitative study employed a correlational research design and was conducted among undergraduate students from two public universities in Tanzania. A sample of 385 students was recruited through an online survey distributed via Whatsap groups. Data were analysed using descriptive, independent sample t-tests, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Majority of participants (84.94%) reported a high level of intention to seek MHCS, while 15.06% had a low level of intention. Gender differences were significant, with female students showing a higher mean intention score (M = 2.08, SD = 1.02) compared to male students (M = 1.84, SD = 0.91). Perceived benefits (r = .66, p < .001) and social support (r = .20, p < .001) were positively correlated with the intention to seek MHCS, whereas perceived barriers showed a significant negative correlation (r = -.22, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived benefits were the strongest predictor of intention to seek MHCS (β = .61, p = .001), followed by perceived barriers (negative predictor, β = -.13, p = .003) and social support (β = .11, p = .012). Conclusion: Enhancing awareness of the benefits of counseling and addressing barriers can significantly promote intention to seek counseling services. Although social support is a smaller predictor, fostering supportive networks remains crucial. These findings provide valuable insights for designing effective mental health support strategies within Tanzanian universities. University administrators and mental health practitioners should focus on increasing awareness about the benefits of MHCS, addressing perceived barriers to access, and fostering a supportive environment to encourage students to seek necessary mental health support. This approach will contribute to better mental health outcomes and overall well-being among university students in Tanzania.