Description:
As a popular social networking site, Facebook may assist in promoting health behaviours and delivering interventions. However, women rarely use social media for health-related purposes. This study aimed to identify factors influencing women's intentions to use Facebook to gain health-related support or information. Using an online survey, data were collected from 159 adult females (Mean age = 26.81-years). Two hierarchical regressions were performed (Outcomes: health-related emotional support-seeking intentions on Facebook health-relatedinformation-seeking intentions on Facebook). Predictors were age, past information/support-seeking on Facebook, time spent on Facebook per day (Step 1), health concern, appearance concern (Step 2), health locus of control (LOC Step 3) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) variables (Step 4). As hypothesised, the TPB constructs significantly predicted intention to use Facebook for health information and support. For information-seeking intention, TPB variables explained an additional 18.3% of the variance over and above that explained in previous steps of the model. Significant contributors were past information-seeking, attitude towards seeking health-related information on Facebook, and subjective norm. For support-seeking intention, TPB variables explained an additional 20.2% of variance. Significant contributors were attitude towards seeking health-related support on Facebook, past support-seeking, and powerful others LOC. Both final models accounted for 56.5% of the variance in information/support-seeking intentions. The TPB constructs effectively predict intentions to seek health information/support on Facebook in women. To increase women's engagement with Facebook for health information and support-seeking purposes, previous behaviours, attitudes, perceived social pressures, and locus of control warrant consideration.
Description:
Anxiety disorders are common, and effective treatments exist, however, many people with anxiety disorders do not access these treatments due to numerous barriers. The current study aimed to examine treatment barriers that are specific to anxiety disorders and to examine the utility of the Health Belief Model (HBM) variables in predicting intention to seek psychological help in relation to anxiety disorders. The study employed a cross-sectional design and participants were a convenience sample comprising first year psychology students and other individuals who were interested in participating. A total of 278 individuals voluntarily participated in the current study by completing a battery of online self-report measures. Of these participants, there was an 89% completion rate and 243 met inclusion criteria (81% female Mean age 25.58, SD = 10.69). The most commonly reported barriers in this population included "I would not be able to afford treatment" (52%), followed by "I think I can/should work out my own problems rather than talking to a psychologist" (49%). Regression analyses indicated that 51% of the variance in intention to seek psychological help can be accounted for by the HBM variables. Perceived treatment benefits were the strongest predictor of help-seeking intention. The study highlights that individuals must interpret psychological treatment as potentially helpful in order to seek help for anxiety disorders. In order to improve help-seeking for anxiety disorders it is essential that professional bodies use targeted marketing strategies to increase the perceived helpfulness of seeing a mental health professional.