Does media content have an impact on help-seeking behaviors for mental illness? A systematic review

Abstract

Purpose People who experience mental illness often demonstrate limited help-seeking behaviours. There is evidence to suggest that media content can influence negative attitudes towards mental illness; less is known about how media impacts help-seeking behaviours. The purpose of this study is to identify if media plays a role in people’s decisions to seek help for their mental health. Design/methodology/approach The databases Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, Social Sciences Full Text [H.W. Wilson] and Soc Index were systemically searched for papers in the English language that investigated the link between media and help-seeking for mental illness. Findings Sixteen studies met eligibility criteria. There was some evidence to suggest that various forms of media – including video and online resources – can positively influence help-seeking for mental health. Print media had some limited effect on help-seeking behaviours but was weaker in comparison to other forms of media. There was no evidence to suggest that media discourages people from seeking help. Originality/value This review identified that, given the heterogeneity of the included papers, and the limited evidence available, there is a need for more focused research to determine how media impacts mental health-related help-seeking behaviours.

A film-based intervention (Intinn) to enhance adolescent mental health literacy and well-being: multi-methods evaluation study

“…Evidence has shown that diverse types of mental health/well-being interventions can be effectively delivered in non-clinical based settings, such as schools, to address psychological symptoms before they become more severe (Benton et al, 2021;Gonsalves et al, 2021). Although there are numerous interventions available to implement in schools, there is variable evidence of acceptability or effectiveness (Das et al, 2016); however, creative, arts-based interventions for adolescents may be beneficial (Goodwin et al, 2021;Goodwin and Behan, 2023;Janous ˇkov a et al, 2017). In a systematic review, Goodwin et al (2021) This study aimed to assess the use of a film-based intervention in enhancing MHL, wellbeing and resilience in adolescents.…”