Understanding How College Students Search for Mental Health Information/Help Online

Understanding How College Students Search for Mental Health Information/Help Online

College

Arts & Letters

Program

M.A. Lifespan & Digital Communication

Publication Date

3-28-2019

Abstract

The arrival to college is for many students the moment they become independent, having to take their own decisions, including those related with their physical and mental health. In a technology orientated society, Internet has become a common source of information that can help in the decision making process. Given its immediacy and anonymity, health has become one of the main searching topics on Internet. This research proposal is intended to understand how young adults search for mental health information and/or help on the Internet. This study suggests a quantitative and qualitative method. Given the fact that this study inquires in private and intimate practices, quantitative information will be collected from online surveys, these same participants will be asked if they are willing to provide more information about their habits in a focus group. The results from this research will be helpful to identify risky practices, as well as to support future counseling plans. According to Penn State Annual Report in 2016, from 2015 to 2016 there was an increase of 30% in counseling services in colleges, the most common mental issues reported by students were anxiety and depression.

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Understanding How College Students Search for Mental Health Information/Help Online


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