Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Young adults, aged 18-24 years, often delay or avoid seeking help for their mental health concerns.The use of the internet to deliver e-mental health support offers a low cost, easy-access option, however the factors which influence online help-seeking remain unclear.Aim: To examine patterns and characteristics of e-mental health service use among young adults framed by Andersen's Behavioral Model.Methods: One hundred and sixty-one young Australians completed an online survey, which comprised of sociodemographic questions and seven standardised measures: Attitudes Towards Services, Berkman-Syme Social Network Index, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Service Obstacles Scale, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales andActual and General Help-seeking Questionnaires.Results: The majority of young people (65.8%, n = 106) reported having accessed online mental health supports.In particular, males and young adults living with family members were more like to access social media for their emotional problems.In comparison, 39.8% (n = 64) had accessed professional online servicesprimarily those who reported feeling socially isolated and in distress.Hierarchical logistical regression identified three predisposing factors: a positive attitude towards services facilitated online help-seeking, whereas higher education and living alone presented as significant barriers.Conclusion: E-mental health platforms can bridge the gap between technology and conventional mental health care.Whilst young adults engage in online help-seeking, more needs to be done to integrate this service model within the Australian healthcare system.To my external supervisor, Dr Wenjing Li, thank you for always being an email away.I sincerely appreciate your time and considered feedback.Though, I am most grateful for your level of expertise when it comes to statistics.I would have been lost without it.To my beloved parents, thank you for supporting me from day one and being so proud of everything I do.My partner, Ashley.You have been so patient and supportive this past year.Thank you for always
Author: Leech, Teghan
Institution: The University of Adelaide
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7028244719