Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jul 27, 2020
Date Accepted: Aug 1, 2021
Investigation of the Effects of an Online Support Group for Mental Health Problems on Stigma and Help-Seeking Among Japanese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Owing to the rapid development of social networking services, online support groups vary widely both in goal and structure. Several studies have shown the potential effectiveness of online support groups, such as reducing psychological distress (eg, depression) among individuals with mental health problems. However, online support groups often do not aim at effectiveness regarding distress-relief-related outcomes.
Objective:
The U2plus.jp (hereinafter U2plus) is an online support group for individuals with depression; in it, people support each other in structured ways, while engaging in simple cognitive behavioral therapy exercises. This study aimed to examine if usage frequency of the U2plus functions are associated with lower stigma and higher consumer activation.
Methods:
In total, 355 U2plus users took part in an online survey. They were asked what therapy they had received in the past, how often they logged into it and used each of its functions, and completed the following questionnaires: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Devaluation-Discrimination Scale, and the General Help-Seeking Questionnaire.
Results:
Regarding the therapy received, 89.3% (n=308) of participants had taken medication for mental health problems, and 67.5% (n=233) had received psychotherapy or mental health counselling. In what concerns the usage frequency, approximately 20% of the participants signed in to U2plus and used its functions more than once a week. The usage frequency of U2plus functions was not correlated with perceived stigma, but the usage frequency of some functions was weakly correlated to help-seeking intentions from formal sources (eg, doctors and psychologists). However, multiple regression analyses revealed that the usage frequency of those functions did not uniquely predict help-seeking intentions.
Conclusions:
It was suggested that online support groups may serve as an alternative treatment option for those who are already undergoing pharmacological treatment and are willing to seek help from whatever source they deem helpful.
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