Date of Award

Fall 10-15-2025

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Patrisha Hopkins-Smith

Second Advisor

Abby Hughes-Scalise

Abstract

Cancer patients frequently experience psychological distress, yet many do not access mental health services, particularly those residing in rural areas. The present study examines what factors contribute to utilization of mental health services and attitudes toward seeking mental health services in rural cancer patients who are actively receiving cancer treatments. Participants (N = 102) completed a paper and pencil survey. A logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between five predictor variables (anxiety, depression, social support, geographic location, and number of barriers) on the outcome variable (utilization of services). The model was statistically significant, X2(4) = 22.39, p = .007< .001, and explained 41.2% of the variance. Anxiety and the number of barriers were statistically significant predictors of mental health service utilization. Measures of depression, social support, and geographic location were not significant predictors. A hierarchical multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the association between attitudes toward seeking mental health services and the five predictor variables mentioned above. The overall regression model was not statistically significant (F (2, 68) = .91, p = .41), and none of the individual predictors had a significant impact on the outcome. These findings have important clinical implications for mental health and oncology providers. In particular, clinics should conduct routine screening for anxiety and address barriers to utilizing mental health care which may result in increased mental health service usage. Overall, this study provides valuable insight into the complex factors influencing mental health service utilization and attitudes toward seeking mental health care.

Identifier

SC 11.PsyD.2025.King.J.B.

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