Gender differences in intentions to seek personal counselling

The mediating role of social self-concept

Bibliographic Data

ID21516538
AuthorsJeffrey A Miles (0000-0001-8771-6703, University of the Pacific, corresponding author), Stefanie E Naumann (0000-0002-5978-1740, University of the Pacific)
Year2024
Volume52
Issue4
Pages732-744
Publication date2024-07-03
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueBritish Journal of Guidance and Counselling (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0306-9885 • E-ISSN: 1469-3534
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03069885.2023.2196711
OpenAlexW4362676695
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited40

Given the negative effects that anxiety and stress can have on university students’ academic performance, work, and relationships, it is important to identify factors associated with intentions to seek personal counselling. We identified social self-concept, students’ beliefs about their abilities and confidence in social situations, as a mediator in the relationship between gender and intentions to seek personal counselling. To test our hypotheses, we administered surveys to 964 first-year undergraduate students in the western U.S. Women reported higher levels of anxiety and stress, lower levels of social self-concept, and were more likely to seek personal counselling than men. In addition, social self-concept mediated the influence of gender on intentions to seek counselling. We discuss implications for theory and practice

Developmental psychology · Self-concept · Self-disclosure · Education, Achievement, and Giftedness · Grit, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation · Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology

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