INSTATHERAPY: EXPLORING HOW MENTAL HEALTH CONTENT ON INSTAGRAM INFLUENCES MENTAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG YOUTHS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This study examined media usage of mental health content on Instagram and its effects on mental health among youths in Singapore. It utilizes the theoretical framework of the three-stage model of health promotion using interactive media (Street, 2003) and provides insights into the mechanics of media usage effects on mental health. Specifically, apart from studying the direct effects of media usage on mental health, the study also explored the indirect effects by studying three key mediators - health literacy, empowerment and mental health self-efficacy. It also investigated if perceived message credibility had a significant effect on media usage. Data was collected anonymously via an online survey from a sample of 225 youths aged 18 to 25. This study found four main findings. Firstly, media usage generally had no direct effects on mental health. Secondly, media usage was negatively related to health literacy, empowerment and mental health self-efficacy. Thirdly, health literacy, empowerment and mental health self-efficacy were positively related to mental health. Lastly, perceived message credibility had a positive effect on youths’ media usage.