Examination of the effect of psychoeducation with digital stories on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to depression

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that reduces quality of life. Despite being treatable, misconceptions, stigma, and access difficulties lower treatment-seeking rates. Psychoeducation through digital stories has the potential to reduce stigma and encourage treatment-seeking behavior. This study investigated the impact of digital stories on depression knowledge, stigma and help-seeking behaviors. Sixty-four participants diagnosed with major depression were assigned to three groups considering age, gender, years of education, and severity of depressive symptoms: the Digital Story Group (received psychoeducation via digital stories), the Text Reading Group (received the same content in written form), and the Control Group (no intervention). Scales were administered at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up. Results showed that the Digital Story Group had increased knowledge and help-seeking intentions with reduced stigma, while the Text Reading Group had weaker knowledge gains and no significant changes in stigma or help-seeking. No changes were observed in the Control Group. The effects of digital stories persisted after one month. These findings suggest that digital story-based psychoeducation may enhance depression awareness, reduce stigma, and promote treatment-seeking. Compared to traditional methods, it may be more effective in conveying personal experiences and fostering emotional engagement. Despite limitations such as a small sample and restricted long-term assessment, further research is needed across diverse age groups and cultural contexts. Key Words: Digital Stories, Psychoeducation, Depression, Stigma, Help-seeking Behavior