Developing a Personalized Normative Feedback Intervention to Increase Help-seeking for Suicidal Thoughts
Han Oh
Summary
People tend to care about what others think and often change our behaviors accordingly. But what if people do not have an accurate understanding of what others really think? Stigma is pervasive, especially in the Black and Asian American communities, which can prevent people from seeking help. This study explores whether correcting misperceptions (by showing what people really think) about depression and suicide can increase help-seeking behaviors among Black and Asian emerging adults who have untreated depression and suicidal thoughts.
Description
Suicide rates have increased for Black and Asian American emerging adults in California, untreated depression contributes to this concerning trend. A major deterrent to treatment utilization is stigma, which has been known to decrease help-seeking behaviors. Black and Asian American communities have been known to have higher levels of mental health stigma than their white counterparts. People with untreated depression and suicidal thoughts often turn to the internet for help, meaning online interventions can play a crucial role in nudging individuals toward help-seeking. Personalized Normative…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–29 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-29 * Asian American * Black American * Suicidal ideation * Depression * Not currently in treatment * English speaking
Interventions
- BehavioralPersonalized Normative Feedback (PNF)
Presenting participants with information about their perceptions of social norms, and actual data on social norms, while highlighting discrepancies, and gently confronting participants toward behavioral changes.
- BehavioralAttention control
The participants will engage in an activity online for the same duration as the intervention.
Location
- USC School of Social WorkLos Angeles, California