The Use of Web Analytics in Mental Health Assessment: Identifying Psychological Disorders through Online Behaviour

Resumo

The use of web analytics in mental health research provides new opportunities for assessing psychological conditions based on online activity patterns. The integration of digital tools allows for a deeper understanding of user behaviour, contributing to the early detection of mental disorders and the development of targeted intervention strategies. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between internet activity and mental health by analysing the browsing patterns of individuals with different psychological disorders. The study aimed to determine how online behaviour correlates with mental health indicators and to evaluate the feasibility of using web analytics for preliminary psychological assessment. The tasks included analysing the duration and frequency of internet usage, identifying the types of websites visited, and conducting an empirical study using standardized psychological tests. The empirical study involved 200 participants diagnosed with various mental disorders, including depression and anxiety. Web analytics tools were used to collect data on participants’ online behaviour, while psychological evaluation was conducted using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). The results of the study confirmed a significant correlation between internet activity and mental health status. Participants with depression and anxiety disorders exhibited increased online activity, spending more time on websites related to mental health, psychological support forums, and social media platforms. Additionally, it was found that individuals with anxiety disorders frequently searched for information on symptoms and treatment options. The findings highlight the potential of web analytics as a supplementary tool for mental health assessment and emphasize the importance of further research into digital markers of psychological conditions. The study results underscore the necessity of integrating digital monitoring tools into mental health support programmes to enhance early intervention strategies.