Introduction
Social media use has been associated with anxiety, depression, and suicide among young adults. With a significant portion of the population engaging in social media, there is a need to determine the impact it has on mental health. The selected scholarly, peer-reviewed article titled “Social Media Use and Mental Health among Young Adults” by Berryman, Ferguson, and Negy (2018) aims to investigate the relationship between social media use and negative mental health outcomes. This paper will analyze the article, identify a professional practice example where the concepts can be applied, and assess the strengths, limitations, and relevance of the article using a research analysis matrix. Based on the findings, a recommendation will be made regarding the article’s use in clinical practice.
Professional Practice Importance of the Selected Article
The rising rates of self-harm and suicide in the United States highlight the significance of understanding the factors contributing to these outcomes. Social media use has raised concerns, particularly after incidents like the “Blue Whale Challenge,” which allegedly promoted suicide. The article chosen for analysis can help healthcare professionals, particularly psychiatric mental health nurses and nurse practitioners, gain insights into the alleged impacts of social media on suicide among young adults. By understanding the theories and concepts presented in the article, professionals can better counsel patients and explore other potential causes of suicide.
NURS-6003 Week 6 Section 17 Foundations for Graduate Study Research Analysis Matrix
Research Article:
Berryman, C., Ferguson, C.J., & Negy, C. (2018). Social Media Use and Mental Health among Young Adults. The Psychiatric Quarterly, 89(2), 307-314.
https://doi.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1007/s11126-017-9535-6
Professional Practice Use:
The article’s theories and concepts can be applied in professional practice to guide patient counseling and shift the focus from assuming that social media use alone leads to suicide among young adults.
Research Analysis Matrix:
Strengths of the Research:
In-depth exploration of the topic.
No external funding, reducing potential bias.
NURS-6003 Week 6 Section 17 Foundations for Graduate Study Limitations of the Research:
Limited number of participants (467) compared to the vast user base of social media.
Lack of information on the participants’ location.
Relevancy to Topic of Interest:
The research addresses the alleged impact of social media on mental health outcomes among young adults, which is relevant to the chosen topic.
Justification Paragraph:
The findings of this research article are valuable and recommendable to healthcare professionals. The study challenges the misconception that continuous social media use is a predictor of negative mental health outcomes. It emphasizes that social media may have positive effects for certain individuals. The study’s insights can help professionals dispel fears regarding the negative effects of social media and focus on other areas, events, and behaviors that may contribute to suicidal tendencies, depression, and anxiety among young adults.
Approaches to Identifying and Analyzing Peer-Reviewed Research:
Peer-reviewed articles are essential for advanced practitioners and scholarly writing as they provide verified and reliable information. Identifying such articles involves checking for editorial statements, authors’ credentials, and academic affiliations. Additionally, exploring the journal website and examining submission guidelines can help determine if an article is peer-reviewed.
Future Resources for Finding Peer-Reviewed Research:
In the future, utilizing resources like the Ulrich’s Global Serials Directory can provide information on the peer-review status of journals. Clicking on a journal’s title and reviewing its publication details is another effective method for identifying peer-reviewed articles.
Conclusion:
Understanding the factors contributing to mental health disorders and suicide is crucial for mental health practitioners. The selected article.
