Social Media and Mental Health

An exploration of social media and the impact it has on mental health, both positive and negative.

Allan House (Edited by), Cathy Brennan (Edited by)

9781009010863, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 October 2023

186 pages
23.3 x 15.5 x 1.1 cm, 0.29 kg

'This book is a great edition to the field of mental health. Discussing the intersection between social media and mental health helps facilitate a better understanding of behaviors. The variety of topics creates a lasting impression on the ability of social media as it pertains to mental health. The quality of this book will leave the reader seeking the next edition. This is a well written and well thought out book.' Kim Mitchell, Doody's Reviews

In an age when social media is a part of life, there has been much debate about whether it is a force for good or evil. Removing personal opinion from the discussion, this book focusses on research findings to deliver a sorely needed account of the relationship between social media and mental health. Written by experts from a range of disciplines, this book provides a valuable overview of the field. Beginning with research on the nature of social media and their use, the book explores how social media influence mood, body image and general health, and how we can use social media positively. It also explores the link between social media use and specific mental health disorders. Discussion is grounded in the latest research to allow readers to make their own informed judgements. A must-read for professionals in social care, education and mental health, as well as interested general readers.

Part I. General principles: 1. Introducing social media Ysabel Gerrard
2. The legal and ethical status of social media Jon Fistein
3. Social media: an everyday reality David A. Ellis
4. How social media influence group and individual behaviour: practice implications Jeff French and Melissa Blair
5. Researching social media: qualitative research approaches Cathy Brennan, Kim Heyes and David A. Ellis
6. Researching social media: quantitative methods Allan House
Part II. Social media and mental health: 7. The harms and benefits of social media use Maša Popovac, Philip A. Fine and Sally-Ann Hicken
8. Social media and disorders of mood Allan House
9. Social media, body image, eating disorders Rachel Rodgers and Katherine Laveway
10. Social media and gambling Thomas B Swanton, Sascha Callaghan, Nicola C Newton, Vladan Starcevic and Sally M. Gainsbury
11. Social media, self-harm and suicide Cathy Brennan and Allan House
Part III. Social media as resource: 12. Safely navigating the terrain: keeping young people safe online Jo Robinson, Louise La. Sala and Rikki Battersby-Coulter
13. Technological interventions for adolescent mental health Arjuna Ugarte, Renee Garett and Sean D. Young
14. Online outreach and support provision: an empirically-informed approach and case illustration Stephen P. Lewis.

Subject Areas: Clinical psychology [MMJ]