Experiences of Online Disclosure of Depression among University Students

Online disclosure of depression among university students has increased. This study investigated the psychological effects of online disclosure activities. Thirty-one South Koreans (25 females, 6 males, age M = 20.94) who had recently disclosed their depressive feelings online were interviewed, and their responses regarding the causes of depressive feelings and the positive and negative effects of the online disclosure were analyzed using the Consensual Qualitative Research-Modified (CQR-M) method. The results showed that the main causes were personal risks including difficulties in regulating negative emotions and stress at university. Participants perceived the emotion-regulating effect of expressive writing as the greatest benefit. Negative effects included receiving brutal comments and being stigmatized as a depressed person. Participants’ desire for attention from others was not found in this study. Academic and practical implications are d