Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Who seeks help online? Comparing online and offline help-seeking preferences amongst youths with suicidal ideation
Kelly Wong1, Christian S Chan2, Milton Chan1
1The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Background:
Research consistently report an inverse relationship between suicide risk and help-seeking. The increasingly available internet-based support potentially offers an attractive alternative to traditional forms of assistance. The study compared the characteristics of suicidal youths in Hong Kong and their online and offline help-seeking behaviours.
Methods:
Participants (N = 1214, age-range = 15-24 years) responded to the anonymous 2018 Hong Kong Online Survey on Youth Mental Health and Internet Usage. Respondents with suicidal thoughts were classified into those who sought help online and offline, or online only ("online-help"); those who sought help offline only ("offline-help"); and those who never sought help ("no-help"). They responded to questions concerning mental health, perception towards online support, internet use, help sources, and demographic information.
Results:
The online-help group differed significantly from other groups, with greater suicidal ideation, distress, risk behaviours, and spent more time online for non-work-related purposes. Their perceived benefits of online support include anonymity, avoiding embarrassment, and social support. They are more likely to seek help from a combination of informal and formal sources.
Limitations:
No data on whether participants sought help online or offline first, and their current treatment status is available. Our study adopted conveniences sampling, and few respondents have sought help online exclusively.
Conclusion:
Online support offers an alternate way of engaging at-risk youths. Future clinical practice should consider online platforms as a complement, rather than a replacement, of offline platforms.
Related Concept Videos
Bullying
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Persuasion Strategies

