Facilitating mental health help seeking in young adults: the underlying theory and development of an online navigation tool

Abstract

Objective: This paper describes the theoretical basis of the Link program, a world-first dedicated online navigation tool to facilitate mental health help-seeking for young adults. Method: Several theories of help-seeking and behaviour change were explored to determine a useful theoretical framework for the Link program, a world-first dedicated online navigation tool to facilitate mental health help-seeking for young adults. Results: Four commonly used theories of behavioural change were examined with the Theory of Planned Behaviour found to best match the objectives of the Link program. Previous interventions aimed at increasing help-seeking behaviour and intentions using the Theory of Plan..