Motivations for Online Expression, Willingness of Online Help-Seeking, and the Risk of Suicide Among Hong Kong Youths

A Mixed-Methods Study

Bibliographic Data

ID22004253
AuthorsShiqi Chen (0009-0000-8416-8908, Chinese University of Hong Kong), Sikky Shiqi Chen (Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China), Tai Pong Lam (0000-0003-1740-2172, Chinese University of Hong Kong, corresponding author), Kwok Fai Lam (0000-0001-5453-994X, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), Tak Lam Lo (0000-0002-3293-7768, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital), David Vai Kiong Chao (0000-0001-7120-5597, Hospital Authority), K Y Mak (0000-0002-9831-8679, Chinese University of Hong Kong), Edmund Wing Wo Lam (0000-0002-4406-5717, Chinese University of Hong Kong), Wai Sin Tang (0000-0003-1926-6733, Chinese University of Hong Kong), Hoi Yan Chan (0000-0002-1996-5553, Chinese University of Hong Kong), Paul Yip (0000-0003-1596-4120, Hong Kong Jockey Club), Paul Siu Fai Yip (Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)
Year2022
Volume25
Issue6
Pages384-391
Publication date2022-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2152-2715 • E-ISSN: 2152-2723
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1089/cyber.2022.0007
PMID35594242
OpenAlexW4280501673
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited49

Despite widespread interest in social media use, little is known about the heterogeneity of underlying motivations for online engagement among at-risk adolescents. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the motives of online expression among Hong Kong youths aged 15–19, as well as their relationships to online help-seeking willingness and suicide risks. In total, 6 focus groups and 12 individual interviews were conducted (N = 40) to elicit information regarding online expression purposes and to construct questionnaire items. The cross-sectional survey (N = 1,676) was undertaken subsequently to determine the prevalence of motives, and their correlations with online help-seeking willingness and suicide risks. Qualitative interviews revealed two key themes: major motivations for online expression, and features of online expression and help-seeking among suicidal youths. Quantitative analyses demonstrated the prevalence of each online expression purpose, with most reporting on “emotional expression” and “life sharing and documentation,” but variations identified by gender, school academic banding, and suicide-related experience. Notably, an ordinal logistic regression model revealed that motives of “emotional expression” and “image building” were associated with increased suicide risks, while the purpose of “life sharing” was associated with decreased suicide risks. Those who expressed online for “self-expression” and “friend making” showed a stronger willingness for online help-seeking. These findings provide a more holistic overview of the purposes of online expression, which suggested the likelihood of mental health issues and the need for support. Such insight may facilitate the development of more effective suicide prevention strategies and online intervention services

Computer-assisted web interviewing · Environmental health · Focus group · Help-seeking · Logistic regression · Mental health · Poison control · Psychiatry · Social media · Suicidal ideation · Suicide prevention · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

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