COGNITIVE PROCESSING OF TRAUMA, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, AND HELP-SEEKING ATTITUDES AMONG NIGERIAN UNDERGRADUATES

Abstract

Traumatic experiences are increasingly recognized as significant determinants of
mental health outcomes. This study examined the impact of cognitive processing of trauma on
psychological distress and attitudes toward help-seeking behaviour among Nigerian
undergraduates. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 389 undergraduate
students (female = 227, male = 162) from the University of Lagos, selected via a convenience
sampling method. Participants completed validated instruments: the Cognitive Processing of
Trauma Scale (CPOTS), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Attitudes toward
Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form (ATSPPHS-SF). Data were analyzed
using Pearson’s correlation, independent samples t-tests, and linear regression. Results indicated
that Maladaptive cognitive processing showed a statistically significant but weak positive
correlation with psychological distress (r = .141, p < .001). Additionally, adaptive processing
positively predicted help-seeking attitudes (β = .179, p < .001), accounting for 3.2% of the variance.
Students with positive help-seeking attitudes reported lower distress (M = 29.54, SD = 8.58) than
those with negative attitudes (M = 30.86, SD = 6.82; t (387) = -1.66, p = .049). These findings
demonstrated that maladaptive trauma processing exacerbates psychological distress, while
adaptive strategies foster openness to professional help and mitigate psychological distress. The
study recommends culturally tailored programs that target maladaptive cognitions to minimize
stigma and bridge treatment gaps.