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User-centred design of technologies to enhance students' access to mental health support
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Date
2025
Authors
Oti, Olugbenga
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
Mental health difficulties are prevalent in the third-level student population. However, evidence shows that many students are reluctant to seek help from mental health support services. Moreover, there is limited research on the help-seeking journeys of students from their awareness of their need for support to their use of services.
This thesis aimed to identify gaps in students' help-seeking journeys and design a technology prototype to facilitate their access to mental health support. Students at University College Cork were used as a case study.
A qualitative methodology and user-centred design approach were applied to examine the lived experiences of students and stakeholders. This work is guided by the eHealth development framework by the Center for eHealth and Wellbeing Research. The framework aims to guide the development of sustainable eHealth technology that is successfully adopted into practice.
Four studies were conducted to achieve this thesis's aims: a scoping review of the literature, an online survey, a usability study and an implementation study.
A model of students' help-seeking journeys was conceptualized from Rickwood's help-seeking model and Andersen's behavioural model and was guided by students' experiences seeking mental health support services in Ireland. This model is an addition to the literature.
The needs identified in the scoping review and the online survey led to the design of Pathway, an app which facilitates students' access to mental health support services.
Following the design of the Pathway prototype, an iterative usability study was conducted with students, psychologists and stakeholders. Their feedback was instrumental in improving the prototype. Participants believed the app was useful in directing students to appropriate support. Students believed the app was quicker, more trustworthy and more personal than their current methods of searching for support. The usability and content requirements for Pathway are an addition to the literature. Finally, an implementation study was conducted to assess barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the Pathway app in various contexts. Recommendations from stakeholders serve as a guide to other researchers designing help-seeking technologies for this population.
Description
Keywords
Mental health , Third-level students , Usability , Implementation , Mental health support services
Citation
Olugbenga, O. 2025. User-centred design of technologies to enhance students' access to mental health support. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.