Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

School

Psychology

Committee Chair

Freddie Pastrana Rivera

Committee Chair School

Psychology

Committee Member 2

Nora Charles

Committee Member 2 School

Psychology

Committee Member 3

Douglas Glenn

Committee Member 3 School

Psychology

Abstract

Racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) communities experience disproportionate exposure to adverse events, including discrimination, socioeconomic disparities, justice system involvement, and limited access to healthcare. These inequities increase the likelihood of experiencing potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and developing trauma-related mental health concerns such as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Despite this elevated risk, REM populations consistently underutilize mental health services. Although several explanations have been proposed—including differences in symptom recognition, perceived need for care, cultural values, mental health literacy, and preferred sources of support—less research has examined racial and ethnic differences in help-seeking intentions (HSI) and help-seeking recommendations (HSR), particularly in response to trauma-related symptoms. The present study examined potential ethnoracial differences in HSI and HSR for PTSS, including differences across symptom clusters (intrusion, avoidance, negative thoughts and cognitions, and hyperarousal). Participants read a vignette describing an individual experiencing PTSS and reported their likelihood of recommending help for others and seeking help for themselves. Results indicated no significant ethnoracial differences in help-seeking recommendations, but significant differences emerged in help-seeking intentions for certain symptom clusters.

ORCID ID

0009-0007-8017-2812

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Available for download on Thursday, May 28, 2026

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