"If I was to post something, it would be too vulnerable:" University students and mental health disclosures on instagram. Issue 2 (8th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Budenz, Alexandra; Klassen, Ann; Purtle, Jonathan; Yom-Tov, Elad; Yudell, Michael; Massey, Philip
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 615
• Page End: 624
• Publication Date: 2022-03-08
• Subjects: Instagram -- social media -- social support -- undergraduate and graduate students -- young adult health; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1759608
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

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.