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Perceived helpfulness of a moderated online social therapy network for young people experiencing social anxiety
O’Bree, Bridget Walton, Courtney C. Bendall, Sarah Wilson, Michael Valentine, Lee McEnery, Carla D’Alfonso, Simon Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario Rice, Simon
O’Bree, Bridget
Walton, Courtney C.
Bendall, Sarah
Wilson, Michael
Valentine, Lee
McEnery, Carla
D’Alfonso, Simon
Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario
Rice, Simon
Abstract
There is a growing need for more effective delivery of digital mental health interventions, particularly for individuals experiencing difficulty accessing or engaging with traditional face-to-face therapy. Young people with social anxiety, and young males with social anxiety in particular need interventions sensitized to their needs. While digital interventions for mental health have proliferated, increasing their accessibility and utility, the data on acceptability and effectiveness of these interventions, however, indicates a need for improvement. The current study sought to utilise qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 70 participants (male n = 33; age range = 14–25 years, mean age = 19.8) from a single-group pilot study of a novel intervention for young people with social anxiety (Entourage), using a content analysis approach. Results indicated that participants spoke about five main categories: connection, anxiety management, appeal, disengagement and system improvement. No overt gender differences were found in the appeal or perceived helpfulness of the Entourage platform. The current study provides valuable information and suggestions to guide future improvement of digital interventions for young people, particularly those experiencing social anxiety.
Keywords
young people, social anxiety, digital interventions, qualitative evaluation, gender sensitisation
Date
2021
Type
Journal article
Journal
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Book
Volume
18
Issue
6
Page Range
1-18
Article Number
Article 2796
ACU Department
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open