Friends Don't Let Friends Suffer From Depression: How Threat, Efficacy, Knowledge, and Empathy Relate to College Students'; Intentions to Intervene on Behalf of a Depressed Friend

Mental health-specifically, depression-is of growing concern to health professionals and the public. Health messages can be used to increase the number of people receiving treatment for depressive disorders. The effectiveness of these messages may be amplified by including an interpersonal influence component, such as encouraging individuals to intervene if they suspect a friend or family member is suffering from depression. The purposes of this study were to (a) explore college students'; behavioral intentions when presented with an opportunity to intervene on behalf of a depressed friend, (b) examine the potential of the Extended Parallel Process Model to help direct message design using efficacy and threat, and (c) investigate the respective influences of empathy and knowledge on behavioral intentions related to intervening on behalf of a depressed friend. Results indicated that self-efficacy and response efficacy, as well as perceived knowledge, could be used to help determine students'; readiness to talk with a friend who may be suffering from depression. Empathy (specifically empathic concern and perspective-taking) can also play a significant role in health promotion efforts that blend media and interpersonal health messages.