Online Peer Counseling for Suicidal Ideation: Participant Characteristics and Reasons for Using or Refusing This Service

Weiss M, Hildebrand A, Braun-Scharm H, Stemmler M (2021)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Psych MDPI

Book Volume: 3

Pages Range: 61-71

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.3390/psych3020007

Open Access Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2624-8611/3/2/7

Abstract

[U25] is a German online-peer-counseling service for adolescents with suicidal ideation, who typically do not seek or receive adequate counseling. We conducted an online survey in order to compare persons who receive online counseling by [U25] compared to those who are visitors of [U25] websites but do not (yet) receive counseling. Via online survey, all visitors to the [U25] websites were invited to fill in a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, utilization reasons, and barriers. Our final sample consisted of n = 318 counseling clients, n = 1127 persons who have not yet sought help but intend to do so (“prospective clients”), and n = 444 persons who do not consider [U25] counseling for themselves (“refusers”). Clients were more often female and showed positive attitudes toward online counseling. Low perceived need for counseling was the most frequent barrier reported by the refusers, whereas fear of stigma and practical barriers were rarely reported; younger and male refusers reported needing to write down one’s problems as a barrier more often. Self-selection might reduce generalizability of our results. Online counseling can facilitate receiving psychosocial support for young persons with suicidal ideation, particularly if barriers are addressed.

Authors with CRIS profile

Maren Weiss Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie Anja Hildebrand Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie Mark Stemmler Lehrstuhl für Psychologische Diagnostik, Methodenlehre und Rechtspsychologie

Involved external institutions

Stiftung Enzian CH Switzerland (CH)

How to cite

APA:

Weiss, M., Hildebrand, A., Braun-Scharm, H., & Stemmler, M. (2021). Online Peer Counseling for Suicidal Ideation: Participant Characteristics and Reasons for Using or Refusing This Service. Psych, 3(2), 61-71. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/psych3020007

MLA:

Weiss, Maren, et al. "Online Peer Counseling for Suicidal Ideation: Participant Characteristics and Reasons for Using or Refusing This Service." Psych 3.2 (2021): 61-71.

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