Predictors of Psychological Help Seeking Intentions among the University Students in Tanzania

Worldwide, students in higher learning institutions face psycho-social challenges. Some of the challenges require to be addressed through seeking psychological help services offered by the universities. Despite the prevalence of the challenges and availability of psychological help services, studies reported that utilization of such services is very low. The existing literature provides limited information about the university students' help seeking intentions in Tanzania. Using a cross-sectional survey, this study assessed the extent to which attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control explain the university students' intentions to seek psychological help. A total of 740 students from two public universities in Tanzania was conveniently selected to participate in the study. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Results showed that students' intention to seek psychological help was higher, and varied according to sex and fields of study. Multiple regression analysis indicated that attitudes, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms predicted intention to seek psychological help among university students. Creating awareness about the benefits of psychological help services can help to increase university students' utilization of psychological help services. The implications of the results, limitation and direction for future studies are provided.