Research Article

LovesCompany: evaluating the safety and feasibility of a mental health-focused online community for adolescents

Published in: Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Volume 34 , issue 1-3 , 2022 , pages: 83–100

DOI: 10.2989/17280583.2023.2283030

Author(s): Anna Van Meter New York University Langone Health, USA , Neha Agrawal Yeshiva University, USA

Keywords: adolescent , discussion forum , peer support , randomised-controlled trial , social media , user experience

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Abstract

Background: Adolescents are at risk for mental health (MH) disorders but are unlikely to seek services and may be reluctant to talk about their MH. An anonymous, online MH-focused community could help reduce suffering. However, online forums can also promote negative behaviours such as cyberbullying. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of an online community – LovesCompany – to improve MH outcomes for adolescents.

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