Thesis College of Science University of Rizal System-Morong 2024

Mental health stigma remains a significant barrier for college students seeking support and assistance for their psychological well-being. This research aims to look into the experiences and perceptions of stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination related to the mental health stigma among college students, particularly among the students of the College of Science at the University of Rizal System-Morong Campus, to inform interventions and support mechanisms that foster a more accepting and supportive environment. Building upon existing literature highlighting the detrimental effects of stigma on help-seeking behaviors and mental health outcomes, this study adopts a qualitative approach to explore the lived experiences of stigma among college students. The study was conducted by a preliminary survey questionnaire to categorize participants, facilitating the identification and selection of suitable respondents for subsequent interviews. Through a qualitative research design, the research aims to gather in-depth insights into the lived experiences of COS students regarding mental health stigma. Snowball sampling is considered a sampling method to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. Findings revealed that students sought counseling primarily due to mental health awareness, emotional distress, and struggles with self-worth. Prejudice and stereotypes emerged as dominant variables contributing to the social stigma surrounding mental health. Stereotypes often framed individuals with mental health issues as weak, unfit for academic success, or even a burden to society, while prejudice fueled negative attitudes and discriminatory judgments toward those seeking help. These societal stigmas created an atmosphere of shame, fear, and rejection, deterring many students from accessing counseling services. Over time, this external societal stigma becomes internalized, tearing into self-stigma, a harmful belief system where students are viewed as inadequate and flawed for experiencing mental health challenges. This internalized stigma created additional barriers to help-seeking and heightened feelings of self-doubt and isolation. Despite these challenges, students utilized coping strategies such as distraction activities, resilience, and positivity to navigate the stigma. The research highlighted the need for institutional strategies to address mental health, how societal stigma transforms to self-stigma, improve mental health literacy, and strengthen peer support systems. These findings contribute to the understanding of stigma in educational settings and underscore the importance of culturally sensitive interventions to foster an inclusive and supportive campus environment, enhancing student well-being and academic success. Keywords: Stigma, Stereotype, Prejudice, Discrimination, College of Science, Services of Counseling, Mental Health, Social Stigma Theory