Outputs (7)

Health-related internet support groups and dental anxiety: The fearful patient's online journey (2010)
Journal Article

Dental fear and anxiety is a common problem affecting many individuals but for some the problem is more severe. This study examined the discussions which took place between members of a dental anxiety/phobia internet support group. A total of 621 mes... Read More about Health-related internet support groups and dental anxiety: The fearful patient's online journey.

Adolescents living with cancer: The role of computer-mediated support groups (2010)
Journal Article

The present study sought to explore the types of social support being provided to adolescents with cancer accessing a computer-mediated support group. Three hundred and ninety-three messages posted to a computer-mediated support group aimed at adoles... Read More about Adolescents living with cancer: The role of computer-mediated support groups.

An investigation into the empowerment effects of using online support groups and how this affects health professional/patient communication (2010)
Journal Article

Objective: The current research investigates the potential of online support groups (OSGs) to foster empowerment and how membership might affect the patient/health professional relationship. Methods: 246 participants across 33 OSGs completed an onlin... Read More about An investigation into the empowerment effects of using online support groups and how this affects health professional/patient communication.

Empowering processes in online support groups among people living with HIV/AIDS: A comparative analysis of 'lurkers' and 'posters' (2010)
Journal Article

The proliferation of online support groups provides an opportunity for individuals living with HIV/AIDS to obtain support online. The present study aimed to explore how different levels of participation in online support groups are associated with em... Read More about Empowering processes in online support groups among people living with HIV/AIDS: A comparative analysis of 'lurkers' and 'posters'.

Living with HIV/AIDS and use of online support groups (2010)
Journal Article

The present study explores the association between online support group use and health status, coping and social support among 640 individuals with HIV/AIDS. Results suggested that frequent users tended to be female, younger, single, and in a more ad... Read More about Living with HIV/AIDS and use of online support groups.

'They all supported me but I felt like I suddenly didn't belong anymore': An exploration of perceived disadvantages to online support seeking (2010)
Journal Article

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of online support communities dedicated to issues surrounding infertility. The aim of this study was to focus on investigating the perceived disadvantages of online infertility support... Read More about 'They all supported me but I felt like I suddenly didn't belong anymore': An exploration of perceived disadvantages to online support seeking.

Coping with infertility online: An examination of self-help mechanisms in an online infertility support group (2010)
Journal Article

Objective: To examine communication within an online infertility support group. Methods: A content analysis of 3500 messages posted to infertility bulletin boards. Results: The most frequently used self-help mechanisms were support or empathy (45.5%)... Read More about Coping with infertility online: An examination of self-help mechanisms in an online infertility support group.