Social media and adolescent mental health: A preliminary qualitative exploration of the potential use of social media for promoting mental health and wellbeing among 12-18 year olds. (360G-Wellcome-109393_Z_15_Z)

£4,160

The World Health Organization recognised that there is no health without mental health (WHO, 2005). Despite this, research from many countries has demonstrated that there is a high level of unmet need for mental health (Schomerous & Angermeyer, 2008). This is particularly concerning for children and adolescents. It is well-known that mental health problems increase during mid-to-late adolescence (Burns et al., 2009). While it remains unclear why young people are reluctant to seek help, barriers have included stigma, trust of professionals, and concerns about the characteristics of the provider (Gulliver et al., 2010). In a contemporary digital society it is arguable that social media may be a way of providing information to adolescents and to promote help-seeking behaviour. However, despite the potential, research is only just starting to grapple with the possibilities. It is therefore important that we have a greater understanding of this by exploring adolescents views and engaging me ntal health professionals in the debate. By consulting with these two groups though focus groups and interviews we can gain a better understanding of how adolescents use social media and provide an analysis of the potential benefits and limitations for social media as a mental health promotion tool.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 4160
Applicant Surname O'Reilly
Approval Committee Internal Small grants - Ethics and Society
Award Date 2015-07-20T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2014/15
Grant Programme: Title Small grant in H&SS
Internal ID 109393/Z/15/Z
Lead Applicant Dr Michelle O'Reilly
Partnership Value 4160
Planned Dates: End Date 2017-01-14T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2016-01-15T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region East Midlands