Table 2.
Descriptive categorisation of helping intentions
| Descriptive category | Coding sub-categories | % of responses (95% CI) (n = 4442) |
|---|---|---|
| Consider approach to person | set up the context; become close or trustworthy to the person; engage the person; indicate concern and readiness to talk | 6.9 (6.1–7.6) |
| Assess risk of harm | assess for risk of harm to oneself or others | 0.1 (0–0.2) |
| Explore problem | listen and/or talk about the problem; attempt to understand problem | 52.1 (50.6–53.5) |
| Provide support | provide emotional comfort and encouragement; associate with the person closely; provide advice and opinions; brain storm; give information; help the person (e.g., with daily activities, needs); do something to help | 64.9 (63.5–66.3) |
| Encourage/help to seek professional help | help from: psychiatrist/related help; psychologist; counsellor/counselling; doctor/ medical assistance/medicine; student counsellor; university medical officer; mental health professional at university psychiatry unit; unspecified mental health professional; professional; treatment | 29.6 (28.3–31.0) |
| Encourage/help to seek informal help | help from: parents/family; friends; elders; someone close to the person; university personnel; help to socialise/interact with friends/ others | 9.8 (9.0–10.7) |
| Encourage/help in self-help strategies | enjoyable/relaxing/extra-curricular activities; take a break; religious activities; meditation; self-help books and movies; distraction and or distancing from problem | 10.6 (9.7–11.5) |
Note.
1 The percentages add up to more than 100% as responses could be coded across multiple categories