ERIC Number: EJ1472543
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
Available Date: 0000-00-00
College Students' Utilization of the Internet to Search for Mental Health Information: Effects on Mental Health Literacy, Stigma, and Help-Seeking
Erica K. Yuen1; Cynthia E. Gangi1; Kathleen Barakat1; Forrest Harrison1
Journal of American College Health, v73 n3 p961-971 2025
Objective: The current study examined how college students search online for mental health information and the impact of these searches on mental health literacy, stigma, and help-seeking. Method: Undergraduate participants (N = 270; Fall 2015 to Spring 2019) were randomly assigned to search online for information about coping with anxiety for themselves or a friend (experimental activity), or to utilize Google Maps to answer navigational questions (control). Results: Participants who conducted an online search demonstrated greater mental health literacy including optimism about psychotherapy, and lower levels of certain types of stigma, but lower willingness to seek/recommend professional help. Participants were more likely to recommend professional help for a friend compared to themselves. Conclusions: Online searches for mental health information have the potential to increase mental health literacy. Universities can harness the Internet to reduce help-seeking barriers but should also address when it is appropriate to engage in self-help versus seek professional help.
Descriptors: College Students, Internet, Online Searching, Mental Health, Information Seeking, Undergraduate Students, Knowledge Level, Social Bias, Help Seeking, Coping, Multiple Literacies, Psychological Patterns, Student Attitudes, Psychotherapy, Counseling Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Psychology, University of Tampa, Tampa, Florida, USA