Archived
This content is available here for research, reference, and/or recordkeeping.
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0118-3050
Date Available
8-13-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
College
Social Work
Department/School/Program
Social Work
Abstract
This capstone examines the influence of social media on the growing issue of self-diagnosis of mental health disorders through three scholarly works: a systematic literature review (SLR), a conceptual paper, and practice application paper. Accessibility, anonymity, and social isolation are identified as contributing factors of self-diagnosis, as individuals increasingly prioritize convenience over traditional help-seeking methods. Research suggests that self-diagnosis is influenced by misinformation and reinforced by validation and a sense of belonging, leading individuals to internalize mental health disorders as part of their identity. Findings further indicate that social media plays a significant role in the dissemination of misinformation about mental health disorders, with youth being especially vulnerable, thereby increasing the prevalence of self-diagnosis. The SLR identifies mental health content and self-diagnosis as influences on identity development, aligning with frameworks such as social comparison theory (SCT), cultivation theory, and Erik Erikson’s identity formation model. The findings from the SLR identified gaps in existing theoretical frameworks, particularly the lack of attention paid to contemporary influences on identity development and the internalization of mental health disorders. The conceptual paper proposes a framework, digital differentiation-comparison theory (DDCT), while the practice application paper introduces an intervention to address these gaps. Both products utilize key concepts from Bowen family systems theory (BFST) and SCT to explain underlying motivations, rewards, and reinforcing factors for self-diagnosis, while focusing on identity exploration, cognitive restructuring, and social media education to improve mental health literacy. Overall, this capstone provides an evidence-informed approach for understanding and addressing the issue of self-diagnosis of mental health disorders facilitated through social media to support ethical and effective social work practice.
Recommended Citation
Hamilton, Sara Elaine, "Scrolling, Searching, and Self-Diagnosing: Examining how Social Media Influences Self- Diagnosis and Shapes Mental Health Literacy, Conceptualization, and Identity Development" (2026). DSW Capstone Projects. 83.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_grad_reports/83
