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Review
. 2022 Oct;46(5):278-287.
doi: 10.1192/bjb.2021.103.

Use of online cultural content for mental health and well-being during COVID-19 restrictions: cross-sectional survey

Rebecca J Syed Sheriff  1   2   3 , Helen Adams  1 , Evgenia Riga  1 , Andrew K Przybylski  1 , Laura Bonsaver  1 , Laura Bergin  1 , Bessie O'Dell  1 , Susan McCormack  1 , Cathy Creswell  1 , Andrea Cipriani  1 , John R Geddes  1
Affiliations
Review

Use of online cultural content for mental health and well-being during COVID-19 restrictions: cross-sectional survey

Rebecca J Syed Sheriff et al. BJPsych Bull. 2022 Oct.

Abstract

Aims and method: To gain a deeper understanding of the use of online culture and its potential benefits to mental health and well-being, sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported data on usage, perceived mental health benefits and health status were collected in an online cross-sectional survey during COVID-19 restrictions in the UK in June-July 2020.

Results: In total, 1056 people completed the survey. A high proportion of participants reported finding online culture helpful for mental health; all but one of the benefits were associated with regular use and some with age. Reported benefits were wide-ranging and interconnected. Those aged under 25 years were less likely to be regular users of online culture or to have increased their use during lockdown.

Clinical implications: There may be benefits in targeting cultural resources for mental health to vulnerable groups such as young adults.

Keywords: Culture; distress; mental health; museum; online.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Main themes identified in responses to the survey question: ‘How is online cultural content helpful to mental health and well-being?’.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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