Publication Date
2013
Document Type
Dissertation
Committee Members
Erendira Lopez-garcia (Committee Member), Robert Rando (Committee Member), Julie Williams (Committee Chair)
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Abstract
There is a gap in the current literature concerning the study of university students with mental illness. Particularly, very few qualitative studies have been conducted in which interviews with university students with mental illness have yielded knowledge about the population's experiences and needs. The present study, employing a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, was designed to promote a more accurate perception of the lives of university students with mental illness by allowing the voices of members of this group to be heard. Eight matriculating university students who self-identified with mental illness participated in this exploratory PAR initiative. The study involved open-ended questioning of participants through mixed methods including a demographics sheet, self-administered questionnaire, and focus group interviews. Results reflected numerous salient themes based on both written and verbal interactions with participants. For instance, potential barriers to success and suggestions for ways to best serve university students with mental illness were revealed. Also, mental health stigma and disability issues were addressed. Implications for future research and action are discussed.
Page Count
239
Department or Program
School of Professional Psychology
Year Degree Awarded
2014
Copyright
Copyright 2013, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
