An Exploration into the Experiences of Blogging by those with Mental Health Conditions

Travers, Rachel (2018) An Exploration into the Experiences of Blogging by those with Mental Health Conditions. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Blogging as a current platform for those experiencing mental health has gained popularity over the past few years as it is a space in which individuals are confidently able to express their thoughts and feelings (Boniel-Nissim and Barak, 2013). The current study explored the experiences of those with mental health conditions that use blogging as an expressive platform. Five individual’s blogs were downloaded and used as the source of data analysis in order to understand: A) If there were any positive aspects of blogging regarding mental health. B) Whether any negative experiences were apparent for those who blog, and C) Exploring whether these experiences play a role in promoting self-reported psychological wellbeing. Personal weblogs were utilised as the source of data ensuring a current analysis. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed four themes: Belonging, self-expression, humiliation, and loneliness. Revealing both positive and negative aspects of blogging as reported by the participants themselves.