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Health-Related Online Support Communities
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Author(s): Neil S. Coulson (University of Nottingham, UK)and Sumaira Malik (University of Cambridge, UK)
Copyright: 2012
Pages: 18
Source title:
Encyclopedia of Cyber Behavior
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Zheng Yan (University at Albany - SUNY, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-0315-8.ch057
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Abstract
In recent years, the Internet has provided new opportunities for individuals living with health-related problems to communicate with each other via online support communities. These communities offer many unique advantages, such as convenience, anonymity, and a diverse range of group members. However, there are potential disadvantages to their use, for example, misleading information. Within such communities, patients may talk about a range of issues and provide support to one another, particularly informational and emotional support. Through self-disclosure and empathic communication, members may feel able to share personal stories as well as help others. Whilst robust evidence for their effectiveness is lacking, there is much qualitative and cross-sectional evidence suggesting that participation in online support communities may be beneficial. However, there is a need for randomised controlled trials of pure peer-to-peer online support.
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