Christina Naing
Fall 2024
Market Research
Research Problem(s) Studied
I chose to focus on Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at IU Indianapolis because, with exams approaching, it’s crucial to understand if students are utilizing available mental health resources. CAPS offers a comprehensive range of services, including individual counseling, group therapy, and psychiatric services, which are essential for supporting students’ mental well-being during stressful periods. By investigating the awareness and usage of CAPS, we can identify gaps in communication and accessibility, ensuring that students are well-informed and can take advantage of these valuable resources during their exams.
I chose a survey as the data collection method. Surveys are an effective way to quickly and efficiently collect information from a large group of individuals. They allow for privacy, which can lead to more honest and open responses, particularly on sensitive topics like mental health. It allows for online distribution, making it accessible to a large and diverse audience, which is essential for gathering comprehensive data from IU Indianapolis students.
Research Instrument
SurveyMonkey: The survey includes a mix of multiple-choice, Likert scale, and open-ended questions to gather both quantitative and qualitative data.
The link below is the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KD7HC8X
Part Two
I surveyed nine IUI students, some of them graduated, and some undergraduates were freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The students who participated in the survey came from different cultural and academic backgrounds. They also come from different occupational backgrounds. Some of them have jobs while being a full-time student and some of them don’t have jobs while being a full-time student.
In terms of program awareness, most respondents have some knowledge of it, but a small percentage are completely unaware. Despite being on campus, it seems like a lot of people weren't aware of all the mental health resources that were available to them. A significant number of respondents are not using any of the available services, indicating a potential gap in engagement or accessibility. And the comfort levels vary, with a notable number of respondents feeling very uncomfortable with the program. When it comes to the likelihood of participating, many respondents are neutral about participating, suggesting a lack of strong motivation or interest. People view flexible scheduling as the most beneficial feature, outweighing other options like confidentiality, trained peer support, regular meetings, and access to professional resources.
different demographics
and image of mental health awareness
Develop targeted communication strategies to raise awareness, paying particular attention to those who are completely unaware of the program. Investigate why many respondents are not using the services and address these barriers. This could involve improving accessibility or tailoring services to better meet the needs of the community. Develop initiatives to make the program more welcoming and comfortable. This could include training for peer supporters and creating a more supportive environment. Understand the reasons behind the neutral stance on participation and create incentives or campaigns to encourage more active involvement. Highlight the availability of flexible scheduling in marketing materials, as this is a highly valued feature among respondents. By addressing these areas, we can more effectively tailor the marketing plan to meet the needs and preferences of the target audience, which will ultimately lead to higher engagement and satisfaction with the Mental Health Peer Support Program.
