Representaciones sociales vinculadas a la atención de salud mental en estudiantes universitarios de Quito

Abstract

This study, titled "Social Representations Linked to Mental Health Care in University Students in the City of Quito," aimed to explore students' perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes toward mental health and psychological services. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 students from various universities in Quito. The results revealed a variety of perceptions: while some students valued the importance of mental health and psychological services, others expressed rejection or misinformation, influenced by social stigma. A growing awareness among younger generations was also identified, although there was concern that mental health issues are often trivialized on social media. The main conclusion emphasizes the need to improve mental health education in universities and ensure access to psychological services without prejudice, promoting a more professional and accessible approach for all students