Date of Award

12-1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Counseling

First Advisor

Pamela Nickels

Second Advisor

Jesse B. Harris Jr.

Third Advisor

Marilyn Patterson

Abstract

This study investigates the attitudes of older adults toward counseling and professional psychological help, a topic of growing importance as populations age and mental health needs evolve. Using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help (ASPPH) scale, the research examined responses from 43 community-dwelling participants aged 51 to 84. The sample included 23 women and 20 men, with varying levels of previous counseling experience. The study sought to determine whether older adults generally hold favorable or unfavorable views of counseling and whether factors such as gender or prior counseling experience significantly affect these attitudes.

Results revealed that the group as a whole exhibited slightly negative attitudes toward seeking professional counseling. Statistical analyses showed no significant differences in attitude scores between men and women or between participants who had previously received counseling and those who had not. These findings suggest that, within this sample, demographic and experiential variables do not meaningfully alter overall perceptions of counseling.

The results highlight persistent stigma and ambivalence toward mental health services among older adults, even in the absence of strong demographic effects. Discussion focuses on potential cultural and generational influences that may shape these attitudes, such as internalized beliefs about self-reliance, privacy, and the appropriateness of psychological help. The study underscores the need for targeted outreach, education, and normalization of counseling services for older populations. Recommendations include developing age-sensitive interventions and community programs that address misconceptions about mental health care and promote help-seeking behaviors.

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