Toward an Online Mental Health Literacy Model

Abstract

Mental Health Literacy (MHL) in the Philippines is yet to be developed because of the stigma surrounding mental health. This research narrows down the study of mental health perception and needs among adolescents because they’re the ones vulnerable to experiencing mental health disorders but are most willing to seek treatment. The study based the development of an online MHL model on the comprehensive methodology of the Health Belief Model (HBM) centered on the collective needs of the respondents to improve MHL and encourage professional intervention. Through an exploratory-descriptive research design, data was collected through student survey and key informants interviews were conducted with concerned administration personnel. Results of the study show that most students perceived an online network for mental health could aid in their individual development of MHL and that they are most willing to seek intervention with the university’s mental health experts based on certain conditions surrounding their relevant needs. The results show the collective responses of the respondents regarding mental health issues, perceptions, and the features that could be integrated in the development of a mental health network. Findings also reveal that the administrative personnel recognized the significance of the network and signified their support for its implementation.