Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Social support in cyberspace: A content analysis of communication within a Huntington’s Disease online support group

Coulson, Neil S.; Buchanan, Heather; Aubeeluck, Aimee

Authors

AIMEE AUBEELUCK aimee.aubeeluck@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Health Psychology Education



Abstract

Objective: Huntington’s Disease (HD) is an inherited disorder, characterised by a progressive degeneration of the brain. Due to the nature of the symptoms, the genetic element of the disease and the fact that there is no cure, HD patients and those in their support network often experience considerable stress and anxiety. With an expansion in Internet access, individuals affected by HD have new opportunities for information retrieval and social support. The aim of this study is to examine the provision of social support in messages posted to a HD online support group bulletin board.
Methods: In total, 1313 messages were content analysed using a modified version of the Social Support Behaviour Code developed by Cutrona & Suhr (1992).
Results: The analysis indicates that group members most frequently offered informational (56.2%) and emotional support (51.9%) followed by network support (48.4%) with esteem support (21.7%) and tangible assistance (9.8%) least frequently offered.
Conclusion: This study suggests that exchanging informational and emotional support represents a key function of this online group.
Practice implications: Online support groups provide a unique opportunity for health professionals to learn about the experiences and views of individuals affected by HD and explore where and why gaps may exist between evidence-based medicine and consumer behaviour and expectations.

Citation

Coulson, N. S., Buchanan, H., & Aubeeluck, A. Social support in cyberspace: A content analysis of communication within a Huntington’s Disease online support group

Journal Article Type Article
Deposit Date Dec 19, 2007
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Patient Education & Counseling
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 68
Issue 2
Keywords Huntington’s Disease, online support, cyberspace, social support
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1016499
Publisher URL http://www.elsevier.com/locate/pateducou

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations