Digital technologies and mental health in young people in higher education

Sofia Veiga, Helena Carvalho, Paula Mena Matos

Abstract


Abstract: Scientific literature has shown an association between the use of digital technologies and the mental health of higher education students. However, gaps remain regarding the digital practices used to promote mental health literacy. In this context, a qualitative study was conducted using six focus groups, involving 43 students from 32 courses at 18 Portuguese higher education institutions. Thematic analysis of the data identified five themes: Digital habits; Digital technologies in mental
health literacy; Impact of digital technologies on well-being and mental health; Evaluation of digital technologies in mental health; Good practices in promoting well-being and mental health. The results show that the focus groups provided spaces for critical reflection and collective construction of knowledge concerning the benefits, risks and limitations of digital technologies in mental health. However, a discrepancy was identified between the participants’ critical discourse and their actual
practices. Despite reservations about the use of non-specialist digital tools, there is widespread reliance on social media content and artificial intelligence. This finding highlights a focus on immediacy, anonymity and accessibility, underscoring the need to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms and to improve access to specialist services.


Keywords


Digital technologies, Mental health, Students, Higher education.

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.14417/ap.2254

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Nº ERC: 107494 | ISSN (in print): 0870-8231 | ISSN (online): 2182-2980 | Copyright © ISPA - CRL, 2012 | Rua Jardim do Tabaco, 34, 1149-041 Lisboa | NIF: 501313672 | This work is published under a license Creative Commons CC BY-NC