Date of Graduation

Spring 2015

Degree

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

William Deal

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between age and education and perceived barriers to mental health care as measured by the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE-III). Age ranged from 18-92 and ages were divided into three groups (25 and younger, 26-55, 56 and older). Education ranged from no high school diploma (or its equivalent) to doctoral degrees. A moderation analysis was conducted using each BACE-III factor as well as the BACE-III total. A qualitative analysis was also performed. The results indicated little or no relationship existed between age and education level and perceived barriers to mental health care. The qualitative analysis revealed 78% of respondents in the present study would seek care should they need it. A possible explanation for the lack of significant results could be there are not barriers that prevented the sample from seeking care. A more diverse sample might provide different results. Other implications of the findings from the present study are discussed such as a need for further education regarding mental health care and a need for reduction of cost or a change in the perception of cost of care.

Keywords

barriers, mental health care, age, education

Subject Categories

Psychology

Copyright

© Vanessa Lynn Jones

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