The objective of this study was to better help those in suicidal crisis by examining the types of suicide-risk individuals who make use of the Internet in relation to their suicidal problems. An anonymous online survey examined suicide-risk individuals who went online for suicide-related purposes (n = 165) and a reference group of suicide-risk individuals with no such experience (n = 125). Suicide-risk individuals who went online for suicide-related purposes, compared with online users who did not, reported greater suicide-risk symptoms, were less likely to seek help, and perceived less social support. Online, many reported more support, felt less alienated, believed they reduced their suicidality, but also sought suicide methods and were likely to visit "pro suicide" sites. Implications include designing help sites that allow peer-to-peer communications and anonymous professional support.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Help-seeking Internet,Online Problem-solving Relationship Suicide adolescent adult article comparative study computer interface female human human relation interpersonal communication male motivation patient attitude peer group psychological aspect p
Research Division:	Psychology
Research Group:	Biological psychology
Research Field:	Behavioural neuroscience
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Provision of health and support services
Objective Field:	Mental health services
UTAS Author:	Harris, KM (Dr Keith Harris)
ID Code:	110315
Year Published:	2009
Web of Science® Times Cited:	75
Deposited By:	Medicine
Deposited On:	2016-07-24
Last Modified:	2016-08-11
Downloads:	0