A virtual safe zone: Teachers supporting teenage student resilience through social media in times of war
Principal investigator: Hananel Rosenberg
An umbrella review about Best Practices in Youth Digital Mental Health Tools
Project details
- Aim
- An umbrella review about Best Practices in Youth Digital Mental Health Tools
- Design
- Multiple studies
- Focus
- My project explores youth's experiences with digital help-seeking (e.g., perceived usefulness, impact on well-being).
- Digital tools studied
- Social media
- Data
- Qualitative
- Sample size
- 68 students (ages 13-18) + 11 teachers
- Key findings
- Based on the student responses, five content categories of emotional support were identified: caring, reassuring, emotion sharing, belonging, and distracting. The mere existence of continuous online contact with teachers also contributed to resilience perceptions.
Additionally, interviews with 11 secondary school teachers revealed three main purposes for this communication: delivering emotional support to students, monitoring their distress, and maintaining civilized norms of discourse.
Association between mental health literacy and formal help-seeking behaviors among students from the Palestinian-Arab minority in Israel
Principal investigator: Fareeda Abo-Rass
The first aim of the study was to examine each of the Mental Health Literacy (MHL) dimensions among students from the Palestinian minority in Israel, based on Jorm's (2000) MHL framework, and their correlates with actual formal help-seeking….
Project details
- Aim
- The first aim of the study was to examine each of the Mental Health Literacy (MHL) dimensions among students from the Palestinian minority in Israel, based on Jorm's (2000) MHL framework, and their correlates with actual formal help-seeking. The second aim was to examine mental health information-seeking methods among Palestinian students as well as their correlates with actual formal help-seeking.
- Design
- One study
- Focus
- My project provides insights into how young people seek help digitally (e.g., where they turn to, what actions they take)
- Digital tools studied
- Internet (e.g., browser)
- Data
- Quantitative
- Sample size
- 129 Palestinian students, attending Israeli high education institutions
- Key findings
- The three dimensions – knowledge of risk factors and causes; knowledge of where to seek information; and attitudes that promote recognition or appropriate help-seeking behavior – were found to be significant determinants of formal help-seeking behaviors. Online information-seeking was an important determinant of formal help-seeking. This study supports the association between MHL and formal help-seeking behaviors, even among students from ethnic minorities. Interventions targeting MHL could enhance help-seeking behaviors in this population. This study underlines the crucial role of the Internet in minority students' lives in the context of mental health, similar to its importance in other areas of their lives.
Atlantic Futures RS 4 Digital Mental Health Supports for Young People
Principal investigator: Maurice Mulvenna, Margaret Barry, Gary Donohoe, Siobhan O'Neill
Study 1 Review of literature Co-production of digital mental health supports with marginalised young people scoping review and Digital Mental Health Interventions for young people: Scoping Review Study 2 Identify mental health needs of young people Initial stakeholder…
Project details
- Aim
- Study 1 Review of literature
Co-production of digital mental health supports with marginalised young people scoping review and Digital Mental Health Interventions for young people: Scoping Review
Study 2 Identify mental health needs of young people
Initial stakeholder engagement workshops with young people (ROI N=3; NI N=14) and service providers (ROI N=9; NI=4); youth workers in ROI spoke to yp (LGBTQ+, traveller youth) with some key questions for our research stream.
Study 3 Co-production of digital mental health solutions
Co-design of Google site with pre-existing mental health and wellbeing resources in response to identified challenges and needs through creative workshops
Study 4 Trialling and evaluating digital mental health solution
The study will present a range of pre-existing digital mental health tools (apps and websites) recommended by our Advisory Board, our young people’s Reference Group and driven by the challenges voiced by young people in the engagement workshops. The study will help address the mental health needs of young people aged between 18-25 on the island of Ireland and evaluate the digital tools in an acceptability, usability and implementation study with young people, with a particular focus on marginalised young people and service providers. - Design
- Multiple studies
- Focus
- My project fits within both
- Digital tools studied
- Internet (e.g., browser), Applications (e.g., mindfulness app)
- Data
- Mixed-methods
- Sample size
- Study 2:
young people (N=17) and service providers (N=13)Study 3:
Survey (N=77)
Creative workshops (N= 41) - Key findings
- Study 3:Digital tools and platforms were viewed as both supportive and potentially undermining mental health. Benefits included supporting positive mental health, moderated peer support, and advocacy opportunities; risks involved privacy concerns, misinformation, and the impersonal nature of AI. Participants highlighted the need for culturally sensitive, youth-driven, and equity-focused interventions that link online resources to offline care, address systemic social and economic barriers, and foster safe, inclusive communities.
Digital Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Middle School Students in Türkiye: A Scenario-Based Study
Principal investigator: Canan Çitil Akyol
The aim of this study is to comprehensively examine the digital help-seeking behaviors of middle school students in Türkiye regarding mental health concerns. Specifically, the study seeks to analyze how students search for information online — for example,…
Project details
- Aim
- The aim of this study is to comprehensively examine the digital help-seeking behaviors of middle school students in Türkiye regarding mental health concerns. Specifically, the study seeks to analyze how students search for information online — for example, the types of keywords they use, how they formulate their questions, whether they prefer full sentences, short phrases, or even emojis to express their needs.
In addition, the study aims to identify which digital channels students prefer to use for accessing mental health information and support (e.g., websites, social media platforms, mobile applications, AI-powered chatbots) and to explore their perceptions of the usefulness, reliability, and accessibility of these sources.
Using a scenario-based approach, the study will collect both qualitative and quantitative data to gain a multi-dimensional understanding of students’ motivations, preferences, barriers, and the influence of cultural factors on digital help-seeking behaviors. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of safe, effective, and age-appropriate digital help-seeking pathways for youth mental health within the Turkish context.
- Design
- One study
- Focus
- My project fits within both
- Digital tools studied
- Social media, Internet (e.g., browser), Applications (e.g., mindfulness app)
- Data
- Mixed-methods
- Sample size
- N=150
- Key findings
- Preliminary findings show that middle school students in Türkiye use two main strategies when seeking mental health information online: asking direct questions (e.g., “How can I overcome exam anxiety?”) or typing short, straightforward phrases (e.g., “exam tips”). Some students appeared to misunderstand the task, leaving responses blank or providing unrelated answers.
YouTube videos emerged as the most frequently used digital help-seeking tool, while students generally avoided sharing any personal or identifying information during searches, suggesting a preference for anonymity when seeking support online.
Digital Mental Health Help-Seeking among youth: a qualitative study
Principal investigator: Katerina Flora
The aim is to capture the experiences of youth in digital mental health-seeking, the reasons, the expectations and the results.
Project details
- Aim
- The aim is to capture the experiences of youth in digital mental health-seeking, the reasons, the expectations and the results.
- Design
- One study
- Focus
- My project explores youth's experiences with digital help-seeking (e.g., perceived usefulness, impact on well-being).
- Digital tools studied
- AI-based tools (e.g., chatbots)
- Data
- Qualitative
- Sample size
- 11
Emotional Expression and Empathy in an Online Peer Support Platform
Principal investigator: Eran Bar-Kalifa
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of online peer support platforms. Specifically, it examined the effects of different types of empathy expressions (i.e., personal distress, empathic concern, exploration, and interpretation) on support seekers’ distress….
Project details
- Aim
- The aim of this study was to examine the effects of online peer support platforms. Specifically, it examined the effects of different types of empathy expressions (i.e., personal
distress, empathic concern, exploration, and interpretation) on support seekers’ distress. In addition, given the interactive nature of these groups, we also explored the effect of seekers’ emotional expressions (i.e., soft negative, hard negative, and positive) on supporters’
empathic expressions. - Design
- One study
- Focus
- My project explores youth's experiences with digital help-seeking (e.g., perceived usefulness, impact on well-being).
- Digital tools studied
- An online peer support platform (“Emotional first aid ERAN")
- Data
- Quantitative
- Sample size
- 7,646 posts
- Key findings
- Empathic concern predicted more seekers’ positive emotions, whereas cognitive empathy
predicted more negative seekers’ emotions. Seekers’ soft negative emotions predicted greater expressions of supporters’ empathy (of all types). Finally, seekers’ positive emotions predicted more supporters’ empathic concern and less personal distress, but also predicted less cognitive empathy (i.e., exploration). Additionally, this pattern of results differed to some extent as a function of the supporters’ role as anonymous peers or the professional moderator. These findings suggest that empathy is a key component in online mental support platforms and that it may make online interactions more effective through emotional regulation.
Modi – a rule-based chatbot for adolescents with anxiety symptoms
Principal investigator: Smiti Kahlon
Study 1: Investigate the feasibility of a novel app for adolescents with anxiety symptoms Study 2: compare the novel app against treatment as usual in primary health services, and also investigate how they perceive the usefulness and the…
Project details
- Aim
- Study 1: Investigate the feasibility of a novel app for adolescents with anxiety symptoms
Study 2: compare the novel app against treatment as usual in primary health services, and also investigate how they perceive the usefulness and the intervention's impact on their well-being through qualitative interviews - Design
- Multiple studies
- Focus
- My project explores youth's experiences with digital help-seeking (e.g., perceived usefulness, impact on well-being).
- Digital tools studied
- Applications (e.g., mindfulness app)
- Data
- Mixed-methods
- Sample size
- Study 1: 24
Study 2: aims to recruit 128 participants - Key findings
- Study 1: The application is feasible, however reduction in anxiety symptoms is only temporary.
Participatory Design of a Mobile App to Safeguard Mental Resilience in the Context of Drug Use in Young Adults: Multi-Method Study
Principal investigator: Ben-Yehuda, Ofri
The aim of this study is to examine the interest and expectations of young people regarding a proposed smartphone app designed to help protect and promote mental health and resilience in the face of risks associated with substance…
Project details
- Aim
- The aim of this study is to examine the interest and expectations of young people regarding a proposed smartphone app designed to help protect and promote mental health and resilience in the face of risks associated with substance use.
Study 1: Online feasibly questionnaire – To obtain young people’s views about the proposed SafeGuard app, specifically whether they view it as likely to be beneficial.
Study 2: Participatory Design that included qualitative focus groups and questionnaires – To assess whether young people express interest in using the proposed app, whether for self-help or for the benefit of their friends, and to elicit requirements for the app from young people.
Study 3: Expert Interviews – To obtain experts’ opinions about the perceived usefulness of the proposed app and enlist their requirements as well as their opinions about the proposed features gathered according to the first stages of the research: risk assessment, self-monitoring, useful information, resilience development, and a support center. Additionally, to acquire specific knowledge sources that could potentially be used to implement these features. - Design
- Multiple studies
- Focus
- My project explores youth's experiences with digital help-seeking (e.g., perceived usefulness, impact on well-being).
- Digital tools studied
- Applications (e.g., mindfulness app)
- Data
- Mixed-methods
- Sample size
- Study 1: 339 Israeli participants
Study 2: 38 Israeli participants
Study 3: 12 Israeli experts - Key findings
- The findings provide preliminary encouraging support for the 5 main features suggested by the research team and reinforce recommendations for mobile health apps found in the literature. The findings emphasize the insight that this kind of app should be designed primarily for use by individuals seeking to help others.
Patterns of online seeking and providing help among adolescents: a preliminary study
Principal investigator: Yuliya Lipshits-Braziler
The goal of the present research is to examine the differences in seeking and providing online help between four possible patterns of online support-related behavior (i.e., transceivers, receivers, transmitters and idlers), as well as gender differences within each…
Project details
- Aim
- The goal of the present research is to examine the differences in seeking and providing online help between four possible patterns of online support-related behavior (i.e., transceivers, receivers, transmitters and idlers), as well as gender differences within each pattern.
- Design
- One study
- Focus
- My project fits within both
- Digital tools studied
- Social media, Internet (e.g., browser), Private chats on social networking sites, group chats on social networking sites, blogs, forums, and online support groups
- Data
- Quantitative
- Sample size
- 527
- Key findings
- The largest group are Transceivers (45%), and they seek help mainly from peers through social networking sites, around social issues. For Receivers (5%) the most important facilitator of seeking help is anonymity. Transmitters (16%) refrain from seeking help due to self reliance. Idlers (34%) refrain from seeking help due to their preference
to face-to-face encounters.
SOS on SNS: Adolescent distress on social network sites
Principal investigator: Yaakov Ophir
The aim of this study was to examine the scope of, and the individual differences that may be associated with, distress sharing on Social Network Sites (SNS)
Project details
- Aim
- The aim of this study was to examine the scope of, and the individual differences that may be associated with, distress sharing on Social Network Sites (SNS)
- Design
- One study
- Focus
- My project provides insights into how young people seek help digitally (e.g., where they turn to, what actions they take)
- Digital tools studied
- Social media
- Data
- Quantitative
- Sample size
- 413 Israeli adolescents
- Key findings
- More than 15% of the sample shared personal distress and searched for help on SNS. Distress sharing did not differ between genders. Social rejection predicted distress sharing on SNS. Notably, social rejection and distress sharing were only associated among individuals with high social media use scores.
The Effect of a Mobile and Web-Based Recovery Program on Trauma Levels and Resilience Among Earthquake-Affected University Students
Principal investigator: Pınar Soylar
The aim of this project is to examine the effect of a mobile and web-based recovery program, including interventions such as breathing exercises and laughter yoga, on strengthening psychological resilience and reducing trauma levels among university students affected…
Project details
- Aim
- The aim of this project is to examine the effect of a mobile and web-based recovery program, including interventions such as breathing exercises and laughter yoga, on strengthening psychological resilience and reducing trauma levels among university students affected by the earthquake.
- Design
- Multiple studies
- Focus
- My project explores youth's experiences with digital help-seeking (e.g., perceived usefulness, impact on well-being).
- Digital tools studied
- Applications (e.g., mindfulness app)
- Data
- Quantitative
- Sample size
- 970 students
- Key findings
- The data analysis process is still ongoing; therefore, the key findings are not yet available.
The Mindhelper study
Principal investigator: Amalie Oxholm Kusier, Anna Paldam Folker, Lau Caspar Thygesen
To explore young people’s perceptions of an online mental health promotion service targeting young people, including the benefits and limitations of online mental health promotion. -To explore how young people use and integrate information and self-help tools from…
Project details
- Aim
- – To explore young people’s perceptions of an online mental health promotion service targeting young people, including the benefits and limitations of online mental health promotion.
-To explore how young people use and integrate information and self-help tools from Mindhelper.dk into their everyday life and coping strategies towards mental health and well-being. - Design
- Multiple studies
- Focus
- My project fits within both
- Digital tools studied
- Internet (e.g., browser), Applications (e.g., mindfulness app)
- Data
- Qualitative
- Sample size
- Phone interviews: 20 participants – 37 interviews
Chat interviews: 11 interviews/participants
Letterbox enquiries (n=2523)
What Shapes Health App Use and Its Outcomes in Emerging Adults? A Go-Along Interview Approach
Principal investigator: Robyn Vanherle
To gain more in-depth insights into how emerging adults turn to health applications for their mental and physical health, and how the use thereof impacts their health.
Project details
- Aim
- To gain more in-depth insights into how emerging adults turn to health applications for their mental and physical health, and how the use thereof impacts their health.
- Design
- One study
- Focus
- My project fits within both
- Digital tools studied
- Applications (e.g., mindfulness app)
- Data
- Qualitative
- Sample size
- 19
- Key findings
- Mobile health (m-health) applications, including fitness and wellness apps, have become increasingly integrated into daily life, with emerging adults (ages 18–34) representing the largest user group. While prior research has sought to identify the factors shaping decisions to adopt and use these apps, this work provided limited insight into the reflexive, situationally variable nature of users’ decision-making. Moreover, the impact of health apps on users’ physical and psychological well-being remains ambiguous. Research indicates that while they may encourage healthy behaviors, they can also lead to problematic engagement through excessive reliance on self-tracking metrics, suggesting that important psychological mechanisms may be at play. To address these gaps, we conducted go-along interviews with emerging adults (n = 20, aged 21–31, 55% female) and propose the COMMIT framework combining the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT). This framework elucidates how cognitive appraisals of technological features and motivational orientations may interact to shape health app adoption, continued use, and health outcomes. By bridging technology acceptance and psychological motivation, the framework offers a foundation for future research and practical guidance in stimulating mindful health app use.