College Staff Attitudes Towards the Use of Online Mental Health Interventions in Further Education

Molyneux, Rebecca (2018) College Staff Attitudes Towards the Use of Online Mental Health Interventions in Further Education. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This study qualitatively explored college educators’ attitudes towards the use of online mental health interventions in further education. Such research was clearly significant, not only because of the escalating numbers of students disclosing mental health difficulties but also because of the remarkable influence academic professionals’ have on students’ lives. Seven educators partook in this study by utilising semi-structured interviews as a method of data collection. A rigorous thematic analysis was conducted on the interview transcripts, and as a result, three main themes were identified:1. Going beyond the job role 2. Technology as a method of care 3. Environments to address mental health Each overarching theme allowed insight into educators’ attitudes towards utilising online interventions in educational contexts. The research endorses the perspective that educators can effectively support adolescent’s mental well-being. However, findings highlight the complexity of mental health difficulties, requiring adequate support beyond the college environment.