Young People's Use of Digital Tools to Support Their Mental Health During Covid-19 Restrictions

被引:26
作者
Pretorius, Claudette [1 ,2 ]
Coyle, David [1 ,2 ]
机构
[1] Univ Coll Dublin, Insight Ctr Data Analyt, Dublin, Ireland
[2] Univ Coll Dublin, Sch Comp Sci, Dublin, Ireland
来源
FRONTIERS IN DIGITAL HEALTH | 2021年 / 3卷
基金
爱尔兰科学基金会;
关键词
COVID-19; mental health; help-seeking; young people; isolation; LIFETIME PREVALENCE; ADOLESCENTS; LONELINESS; DISORDERS; ADULTS;
D O I
10.3389/fdgth.2021.763876
中图分类号
R19 [保健组织与事业(卫生事业管理)];
学科分类号
摘要
Young adulthood represents a sensitive period for young people's mental health. The lockdown restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have reduced young people's access to traditional sources of mental health support. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the online resources young people were using to support their mental health during the first lockdown period in Ireland. It made use of an anonymous online survey targeted at young people aged 18-25. Participants were recruited using ads on social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SnapChat. A total of 393 respondents completed the survey. Many of the respondents indicated that they were using social media (51.4%, 202/393) and mental health apps (32.6%, 128/393) as sources of support. Fewer were making use of formal online resources such as charities (26%, 102/393) or professional counseling services (13.2%, 52/393). Different social media platforms were used for different purposes; Facebook was used for support groups whilst Instagram was used to engage with influencers who focused on mental health issues. Google search, recommendations from peers and prior knowledge of services played a role in how resources were located. Findings from this survey indicate that digital technologies and online resources have an important role to play in supporting young people's mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these digital tool's potential as well as how they can be improved to better meet young people's needs.
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页数:10
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