LAUSR

The aim of this study was to explore students’ attitudes towards counseling at a South African institution of higher education. The influence of stigma (public and self-stigma), anticipated risk, and utility associated with disclosing information was also investigated, including the role of gender and culture. Using a mixed-method design, quantitative data were gathered from scales and qualitative data were based on the nominal group technique and follow-up discussions. Participants included third-year students from the Black Sesotho-Setswana-speaking and White Afrikaans-speaking cultural groups, either with or without counseling experience (those who have received counseling and those who have not). Statistically significant differences in attitudes were found across gender, cultural groups, and counseling experience. Furthermore, self-stigma and anticipated utility associated with disclosing information provided significant, unique explanations for the variance in students’ attitudes. Among the themes emerging from the analyses, secrecy was prominent. Furthermore, two contrasting themes emerged regarding being in counseling and indicated being flawed versus being courageous. Specific gender dynamics and social norms regarding counseling were also observed, with the general opinion being that it is more acceptable for female students to seek counseling. Considering the prevalence of adjustment and mental health problems in the South African student population, as well as the underutilization of counseling services, the results of the current study provide valuable information for student counseling and development centers at universities on how to engage more effectively with a diverse student population and how to make counseling services more accessible and appealing.