Computer Interaction and the Benefits of Social Networking for People with Borderline Personality Disorder: Enlightening Mental Health Professionals

TL;DR

This study explores mental health professionals' awareness of ICT-based support for BPD patients and assesses the potential acceptance of virtual communities to aid in crisis situations.

Contribution

It provides an exploratory analysis of the viability and acceptance of virtual support communities for people with BPD based on qualitative and quantitative data.

Findings

Mental health professionals recognize potential benefits of ICT support.

Virtual communities could offer additional crisis support for BPD patients.

Preliminary evidence suggests acceptance of online support tools.

Abstract

This paper seeks to present the findings of a focus group and questionnaire in assessing how aware mental health professionals, who have experience with people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), are in the extent of ICT based support for people with BPD. The methods used were both qualitative and quantitative and used descriptive data. Content analysis was used to explore specific themes and results were cross-examined between the two methods. The work should be viewed as an exploratory study into the viability and likely acceptance of a virtual support community specifically designed for people with BPD. The long term aim is to provide additional support for people with BPD, especially when they are in crisis and might be at a higher risk of harm.