The power of printed word in a digital age: Effects of a mental health brochure on help-seeking in college students

Objective: The current study investigated how viewing a printed informational brochure about local mental health resources can affect help-seeking in college students. Method: Undergraduate participants (n = 187) were randomly assigned to read a printed brochure for 5 min about local mental health resources or facts related to their university. Results: Reading the mental health resources brochure led to greater knowledge about said resources, lower perceived public stigma toward help-seeking, more positive attitudes toward seeking professional help, and greater willingness to engage in help-seeking behavior. There was no significant impact on personal stigma, self-stigma, or intentions to seek help. Conclusions: The results provide evidence of the utility of printed brochures in reducing barriers to help-seeking in college students. Even in today’s digital age, printed informational materials can be relevant mediums for addressing stigma, improving mental health literacy, and disseminating knowledge about treatment options.