“I was always at the library”: Teen Perspectives on Integrating Digital Mental Health Programs into Public Libraries (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Rising rates of anxiety among teens necessitate innovative approaches for implementating evidence-based mental health support. Public libraries, seen as safe spaces for patrons with marginalized identities offer free public services like broadband internet access, may serve as promising sites for implementation of digital mental health programs targeted to teens. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to examine how teens who attend their local public library experience anxiety, what support they are interested in receiving, and how digital mental health programs can meet their needs. METHODS Teens who frequent the public library (n = 16, M age = 15.2) completed individual, semi-structured interviews designed to elicit recommendations for designing and implementing digital tools in libraries to improve teen mental health. Interview transcripts were coded inductively by multiple coders to synthesize key themes. RESULTS Teens reported experiencing uncontrollability, unpredictability, and anger related to their anxiety, which they managed by using strategies such as guided breathing, distress tolerance, and social connection. They stressed the importance of context and anxiety severity in choosing anxiety management strategies when anxious. Teens underscored the centrality of the public library in their lives and their view of it as a safe space where they can easily access resources and connect with friends and trusted adults. When considering the design of a digital mental health program implemented into libraries, they suggested including personalization for different identities, gamification, and simple navigation. They also emphasized that their end goal was to use the skills learned in the digital mental health program “offline.” CONCLUSIONS Teens who frequent public libraries expressed interest in receiving digital tools via libraries to help them manage anxiety. The recommendations they provided will help inform future research on the adaptation and implementation of digital mental health programs for teens in public libraries.