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9781666965094

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Mental health literacy is tied to mental health awareness, promotion, prevention and intervention. Young adults are becoming more cognizant of their mental health and related need, are finding ways to challenge stigma, and seeking methods to become more educated in matters to support wellbeing, some of which are via digital means. In this book, Scaccia, writes about some of the complexities of mental health help-seeking for young adults, recognizing the nuances of mental health access and service provision, as well as some of the broader social influences like stigma, personal knowledge, and peer support. The modern social and health landscape is the backdrop for the discussion threaded through the book, as Scaccia directs the reader through some of the complexities of digital and social media and the relationship to mental health literacy and help-seeking behavior. Early in the book, the theoretical foundations are set, with some core concepts defined. Here the central concerns about the veracity of information available to young adults are set up, connecting this to media literacy and the exposure to a vast array of health materials online. The book moves smoothly to considering some of the evidence in the field around mental health and internet enabled platforms for young adults, offering critical comment on the political landscape that shrouds some of the wider debates and moral panic. Indeed, the sheer scale of the benefit versus challenges of mental health literacy in online environments is spelled out through the chapters as Scaccia guides the reader through an array of research studies and political polemics regarding the issues at stake. Importantly, as the book moves on through the various issues, Scaccia recognizes the relevance and value of hearing young adults’ voices in the context of the challenges they face in a contemporary digital society. Here we hear from young adults about their own experiences via the research study conducted by the author. Numerous aspects of their digital lives are explored through the latter part of the book, as Scaccia provides access to their beliefs, views and experiences, and a solution-focused narrative as they navigate some of the difficulties of the modern world. * Michelle O’Reilly, Associate Professor of Communication in Mental Health and Chartered Psychologist in Health, University of Leicester, UK *

Author Information

Jesse Scaccia is Assistant Professor in the Media, Communications, and Journalism program at Fresno State University, USA. He has also developed and taught a course titled The Craft of the Personal Narrative at Valley State Prison.

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