University of Twente Student Theses
Amplifying Women’s Voices: Women’s Mental Healthcare Experiences and Social Media’s Role in Promoting a Gendered Approach to Mental Healthcare
Mantzana, Angeliki (2023) Amplifying Women’s Voices: Women’s Mental Healthcare Experiences and Social Media’s Role in Promoting a Gendered Approach to Mental Healthcare.
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| Abstract: | The present qualitative study explored whether women’s lived experiences and perceptions of mental health services (MHS) reflect gendered biases, barriers, and inequalities within the provision of mental health care (MHC). It also explored women’s views on social media use to promote a gendered approach to MHC. Women with prior experience in MHS (N = 15) were conveniently recruited and participated in one focus group discussion each, where they answered open-ended questions and actively engaged in conversation. Four focus group discussions were conducted in total. The gathered data were analyzed via the means of inductive thematic analysis which resulted in seven main themes with their related sub-themes. The findings indicated that participants did not have any personal negative experience that revealed gender biases or gender-based health inequalities within MHC provision. However, all participants shared similar expectations and perceptions that MHS and providers can fail to recognize and address the specific needs of women, potentially harboring gender bias against them, resulting in adverse MHC encounters. Furthermore, it was found that participants viewed social media platforms as powerful tools for raising awareness about women’s mental health issues and advocating for gender-sensitive MHC. Despite some limitations, such as the lack of a more purposive sample consisting of women with lived negative MHS experiences, these findings can hold important implications for a university community like the University of Twente. They highlight the necessity of carrying out research to examine any potentially harmful gendered experiences among women using the university’s MHS. Additionally, they emphasize the significance of putting into practice powerful initiatives like social media campaigns, to raise awareness of these issues and take steps to implement inclusive MHC for women, leading to positive wellbeing outcomes for them. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/95732 |
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