Adolescent Help-Seeking From the Internet

During the past decade there has been increased interest in help-seeking behavior among adolescents. This reflects the recognition that while many psychiatric problems increase markedly during adolescence, the majority of disturbed teenagers do not receive mental health services. Nearly half of all adolescents have reported using the Internet to access information about health issues. The purpose of this study was to provide information on the prevalence of Internet use by teenagers in their attempt to seek help for emotional problems.

Over 500 students, ages 13-19, took a self-report questionnaire, which assessed demographic characteristics, hopelessness, functional impairments, and use and perception of various treatment services. The type of support sought on the internet (e.g. chat rooms, Web sites), satisfaction with this information, and the use of the Internet with other sources of help were examined.