Recognize and Refer? Differences by Gender, Ethnicity, and Help-Seeking History

Abstract

Little is known about demographic differences in college students’ engagement in peer-to-peer mental health support (i.e., recognize and refer). To this end, we examined demographic differences in responses to encountering a peer in mental distress among undergraduate students (N = 813) from two separate universities. Results revealed numerous demographic differences in students’ responses to encountering a peer in mental distress. Implications for practice, including how college counselors can enhance the inclusiveness of peer-to-peer mental health support initiatives, are discussed.