Mental Health Literacy and Psychological Support-Seeking Attitudes in Syrian Immigrant Students

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted among Syrian immigrant university students in Turkiye has shed light on the relationship between mental health literacy and psychological support-seeking attitudes. The research, published in BMC Public Health, aimed to investigate the correlation between mental health literacy and attitudes towards seeking professional psychological support among this specific population. The study involved 326 Syrian immigrant students, who were assessed using the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and the Attitude Scale toward Receiving Professional Psychological Support-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). The findings revealed a positive and moderate correlation between mental health literacy and psychological support-seeking attitudes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study was conducted among 326 Syrian immigrant university students in Turkiye.
  • The mean Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) score was 11.804, with a standard deviation of 3.434.
  • The average score of the Attitude Scale toward Receiving Professional Psychological Support-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF) was 58.245, with a standard deviation of 8.131.
  • A positive and moderate correlation was found between mental health literacy and psychological support-seeking attitudes (r = 0.514, p < .001).
  • The study suggests that initiatives to increase mental health literacy can positively shape individuals' attitudes toward psychological support.
  • The research highlights the importance of addressing mental health needs among Syrian immigrant students.

Statistics:

  • 326 Syrian immigrant university students participated in the study.
  • The mean MHLS score was 11.804 (± 3.434).
  • The average ATSPPH-SF score was 58.245 (± 8.131).
  • The correlation coefficient between MHLS and ATSPPH-SF was 0.514 (p < .001).

Sources:

  • BMC Public Health (2025). The Relationship Between Mental Health Literacy and Psychological Support-Seeking Attitudes Among Syrian Immigrant Students. 25(1):3223.