By: Maddie Stackow
Examining cross-cultural approaches to university mental health care, assessment, and prevention
Hi! My name is Madalynn Stackow, and I am a psychology major with a passion for research. I am honored to be a part of the Global Scholars 2026 Cohort. As a psychology student, I am driven to understand why people think the way they do and what influences their behavior. My long-term goal is to become a clinical psychologist and work directly with individuals to support their mental health. Even in my first year of college, I have immersed myself in research, becoming involved in three different labs. Because of this, I was eager to pursue an opportunity that combined both of my passions: research and global exploration. What better way to do that than through Global Scholars?
Considering there haven’t been many psychology majors as a part of the program in recent years, I knew I wanted to bring a new perspective—one that explores how mental health and psychological care are shaped across cultures. This summer, I will be traveling to Florence, Italy to examine university-based mental health services through a cross-cultural lens. But, why Italy? I am participating in Florida State University’s International Programs for a six-week study abroad experience in Florence, which provides a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a different cultural and academic environment while conducting my research.I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to experience life in Italy while also exploring mental health practices within a new cultural context. As part of my project, I will be conducting semi-structured interviews with mental health professionals working in university settings. These conversations will focus on how clinicians approach assessment, prevention, and treatment, as well as how cultural values influence the way care is delivered. Through these interviews, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how mental health systems differ across contexts and what insights can be applied to improve care for university students.
I am proud to be a research assistant in the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide Risk and Related Disorders. Through my work in this lab, I have learned that while suicide rates in the United States have increased over the past decade, global trends show a different pattern. For example, rates in the European Union have decreased by approximately 11%, while rates in the United States have risen by about 16%. These differences have shaped my interest in examining how mental health challenges among college students—particularly those that may contribute to suicidal ideation—are understood and addressed across cultural contexts. I am especially interested in how clinicians and service providers in university-based counseling centers deliver psychological care. Given the scope of my project, I plan to conduct interviews with clinicians and administrators to better understand their approaches to student mental health and the systems in place to support it.
I am eager to develop a cross-cultural understanding of mental health practices. Beyond the meaningful experiences I will gain abroad, I will return with a deeper body of knowledge that I am excited to analyze, share, and use to identify opportunities for improving existing mental health systems. Ultimately, I hope this experience will strengthen my ability to contribute to more accessible, culturally responsive care for diverse student populations and inform my future work as a clinical psychologist
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