MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AMONGST NUS UNDERGRADUATES: A PSYCHOSOCIAL UNDERSTANDING OF FACTORS AFFECTING KNOWLEDGE

Abstract

In Singapore, mental health literacy is generally low with a high treatment gap – the latter referring to the proportion of mental health sufferers who need, but do not receive, help. Although previous studies have addressed factors affecting mental health literacy, there are few studies conducted in Singapore that explore the correlations between mental health literacy, institutional factors (e.g. availability of counselling and school-based mental health resources) and individuals’ socio-demographic characteristics. To understand the role of social and environmental influences on mental health literacy and perception of mental illness (outcome variables), this descriptive study examines correlates of both outcome variables amongst undergraduate students in Singapore. Using the psychosocial framework, I analyse unique data from an online survey of 157 NUS undergraduates focusing on mental health literacy that was conducted between December 2019 and February 2020. This survey aims to elucidate how mental health literacy, perception of mental illness, social and institutional factors are correlated. The respondents are generally found to have good mental health literacy and more positive views towards mental illness as compared to the general public. In summary, this paper seeks to understand what social factors affect variations in mental health literacy, and the role of perception in this equation, in the cultural context of Singaporean youths to better understand the state of mental health amongst younger Singaporeans. By understanding different social groups’ conceptualisation and knowledge acquisition of mental health, targeted interventions can be put in place to help Singaporeans grasp the complexities of mental health.