Social Media and Mental Health

In an age when social media is a part of life, there has been much debate about whether it is a force for good or evil. Removing personal opinion from the discussion, this book focusses on research findings to deliver a sorely needed account of the relationship between social media and mental health. Written by experts from a range of disciplines, this book provides a valuable overview of the field. Beginning with research on the nature of social media and their use, the book explores how social media influence mood, body image and general health, and how we can use social media positively. It also explores the link between social media use and specific mental health disorders. Discussion is grounded in the latest research to allow readers to make their own informed judgements. A must-read for professionals in social care, education and mental health, as well as interested general readers.

Author Biography

Professor Allan House is a psychiatrist who has practised for many years at consultant level within the NHS. Now retired from clinical practice he researches as a senior academic at the University of Leeds. He has co-authored a number of introductory texts for non-specialists. Dr Cathy Brennan worked as a children’s nurse before pursuing an academic career as a social scientist. Her research focuses on public mental health, particularly social media and its relationship with self-harm and suicide. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and teaches at the University of Leeds.