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[Laura Clarry]

Research: The University of Bolton – To understand how people with mental health conditions use social media for support and information.

Ethical Approval and Funding:

The University of Bolton’s Ethical Committee have granted ethical approval of this research. A copy of ethical approval can be sent on request.

The research is being carried out by members of educational staff at the University in collaboration with an Intern and volunteers to encourage research and teaching implementation, therefore it is not being funded.

The project is not being undertaken as part of a student project.

Reasons for Research:

Previous research has produced evidence for communicative internet usage being beneficial to mental well-being; internet communication reduced perceived loneliness, which may positively affect those feeling stigmatized by mental illness.

Previous research has predominantly focused on the negative health effects of the internet and social media.

There is a dearth of research into the positive and negative effects of social media with respect to information and support for individuals with mental health conditions.

This study aims to investigate how those with mental health conditions use social media for support and information, both formal and informal.  The following research questions will be investigated:

We want to:

• Explore whether people with mental health conditions use social media in direct link to their diagnosis

• Explore how people with mental health conditions use social media

• Determine whether social media is a largely beneficial contributor providing informal support, or whether it might be detrimental in cases.

   

Participants are required to complete an online questionnaire.  Information at the beginning of the online questionnaire informs participants of the requirements of the research and displays a contact email if they wish to find out more information about the study and their involvement.

 

The Nature and Intensity of Support:

We would kindly like to ask for your support in gaining participants with mental health conditions to fill in our questionnaires (online).   

 

Any help is hugely appreciated!

 

The following link opens the online questionnaire document  for the study:

http://Social Media 

 

Bolton research team,

School of Education and Psychology,

University of Bolton, Deane Road, Bolton. BL3 5AB

Tel [phone]