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'If I Was to Post Something, It Would Be Too Vulnerable:' University Students and Mental Health Disclosures on Instagram

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Bibliographic Details
Title: 'If I Was to Post Something, It Would Be Too Vulnerable:' University Students and Mental Health Disclosures on Instagram
Language: English
Authors: Budenz, Alexandra (ORCID 0000-0001-9885-9785), Klassen, Ann, Purtle, Jonathan, Yom-Tov, Elad, Yudell, Michael, Massey, Philip
Source: Journal of American College Health. 2022 70(2):615-624.
Availability: Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Social Media, Mental Health, Help Seeking, Social Bias, Negative Attitudes, Barriers, School Health Services, Student Experience, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1759608
ISSN: 0744-8481
Abstract: Objective: Assess Instagram use for mental health disclosure in university students to assess the potential for Instagram use as mental health support-seeking. Participants: Twenty-one students using mental health services while attending a private, Mid-Atlantic university between 6/2017-12/2017. Methods: Collected qualitative interview and Instagram data and analyzed them in parallel. Instagram data supplemented interview themes and were coded and analyzed quantitatively to define features of participants' Instagram use. Results: Participants displayed aversions to posting mental health disclosures on Instagram, citing public and self-stigma as barriers to disclosure. Despite this, participants reported instances in which their Instagram posts directly or indirectly reflected their lived experiences. Some also maintained second anonymous accounts for fuller disclosure. Conclusions: Given the benefits of mental health disclosures to well-being and the predilection for social media use in university students, student and university-led initiatives to promote social media environments conducive to disclosures could have widespread mental health benefits.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1335131
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Objective: Assess Instagram use for mental health disclosure in university students to assess the potential for Instagram use as mental health support-seeking. Participants: Twenty-one students using mental health services while attending a private, Mid-Atlantic university between 6/2017-12/2017. Methods: Collected qualitative interview and Instagram data and analyzed them in parallel. Instagram data supplemented interview themes and were coded and analyzed quantitatively to define features of participants' Instagram use. Results: Participants displayed aversions to posting mental health disclosures on Instagram, citing public and self-stigma as barriers to disclosure. Despite this, participants reported instances in which their Instagram posts directly or indirectly reflected their lived experiences. Some also maintained second anonymous accounts for fuller disclosure. Conclusions: Given the benefits of mental health disclosures to well-being and the predilection for social media use in university students, student and university-led initiatives to promote social media environments conducive to disclosures could have widespread mental health benefits.
ISSN:0744-8481
DOI:10.1080/07448481.2020.1759608