Benefits from Participating in Survey-based Studies

Using validated measures, HMN’s survey research provides a detailed look at the prevalence of mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, disordered eating, suicidal ideation, self-injury), service utilization, and related behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge among a representative sample of students at participating institutions. HMN’s survey research has a special emphasis on understanding help-seeking behavior, examining stigma, knowledge, and other potential barriers to mental health service utilization. HMN data can be used in numerous ways on college and university campuses:

• To strengthen grant applications (e.g., SAMHSA Garrett Lee Smith grants)
• To advocate for mental health services and programs on campus
• To evaluate existing programs (e.g., reductions in stigma following a major campaign)
• To assess need for programs and services (see here for example of the memo on the economic case we customize and provide for each school)
• To raise awareness of mental health and campus resources
• To make comparisons with peer institutions

To learn more about the data reporting process and HMS data-deliverables, visit our Data Reporting page.