Korean J Adult Nurs.  2020 Dec;32(6):571-583. 10.7475/kjan.2020.32.6.571.

Perceived Benefits of and Barriers to Disclosure of Depressive Feelings: An Exploratory Study Using Semantic Network Analysis

• Lee H
• An S

• KMID: 2510328
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2020.32.6.571

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the benefits of and barriers to disclosing one’s depressive feelings to others. In particular, this study contrasts the barriers to face-to-face communication of depressive feelings with the benefits of using Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM).
Methods
A total of 300 South Koreans participated in an online survey about their perceptions of disclosing depressive feelings. Paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression were used to examine the effect of demographic characteristics on the tendency to disclose depressive feelings. A semantic network analysis was conducted with open-ended responses to explore the proposed barriers and benefits.
Results
Barriers to expressing depressive feelings in face-to-face communication were observed, while benefits of using MIM were revealed. More importantly, while the perception of social norms was a major barrier to disclosing depressive feelings in face-to-face communication, it was a benefit of disclosing depressive feelings via MIM.
Conclusion
The results highlight the benefits of utilizing MIM as a channel for the disclosure of depressive feelings, which may, in turn, enhance emotional well-being.

Keyword

Depression; Disclosure; Mental health; Text messaging; Semantics