Family Communication Patterns as Predictor of Help Seeking among Selected State University Students in Times of Distress

Ferlynn Bordeos Recto; Marison Felicidad R. Dy; Rufo Gil Z. Albor; Benjamina Paula G. Flor

Ferlynn Bordeos Recto University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
Marison Felicidad R. Dy University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
Rufo Gil Z. Albor University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines
Benjamina Paula G. Flor University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

Keywords: family communication, help seeking, mental health, students

Abstract

Mental health is one of the most serious issues in the Philippines, as well as the rest of the world. Seeking help is one method of coping with mental health concerns, and the family dimension has been left out of this subject. This study aims to examine the significance of family communication patterns in how help seeking might be encouraged using a quantitative, cross-sectional design. A survey was done among randomly selected Filipino undergraduate students. Results revealed that academic concerns were the most reported source of distress, followed by family-related issues, and general relationship and support. The top reasons for not seeking help in times of distress include lack of available and accessible sources or means to seek help; self-reliance; and to not be a burden, a bother, or a cause of concern. The most widely reported family types were pluralistic and protective. The type of help (informal vs formal), gender, age, and family communication patterns were significantly related to seeking help. Since family communication has been established to influence help seeking, families and concerned institutions must be equipped with adequate mental health resources for providing immediate assistance and enhancing the coping skills students need to get through difficult situations.

Author Biographies

Ferlynn Bordeos Recto, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

Ms. Ferlynn B. Recto is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños where she earned her master’s degree in family resource management. She teaches human and family development courses, and writes research on mental health, well-being, early childhood development and family communication.

Marison Felicidad R. Dy, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

Dr. Marison Felicidad R. Dy is a Professor at the Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, and has been in the academe for more than three decades. She teaches human development courses with special focus on child and adolescent development.

Rufo Gil Z. Albor, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

Dr. Rufo Gil Z. Albor is an Assistant Professor at the College of Human Ecology and Graduate School of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), where he earned his PhD in Extension Education and a master’s degree in education management. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the Department of Human and Family Development Studies and teaches courses in Ecology and Value Systems, as well as Principles of Human Development. Concurrently, he is also the new College Secretary of the College of Human Ecology. His expertise in Extension Education and Education Management is complemented by his extensive experience as a research consultant for various organizations, including the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and De La Salle University. He has also contributed to the academic community through his publications, which include a course module on Child Development and numerous local and international scientific journal articles. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Albor is a mental health advocate and has been appointed as the Chair of the Committee on Social Sciences and Humanities at the UPLB Graduate School.

Benjamina Paula G. Flor, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

Dr. Benjamina Paula Gonzales-Flor is a professor at the College of Development Communication. Dr. Flor is a notable icon in communication research, communication and culture, environmental communication, social marketing, communication and development, among many others. She has authored and co-authored various publications on rural communication, education, climate change adaptation, community broadcasting, and rural studies. She is also a recipient of multiple professional awards, including the ONE UP Professorial Chair for Teaching and Research and the UP Scientific Productivity System – UP Scientist 2022-2024.