Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study investigated on-line support group members’ perceptions of supportive communication within on-line groups dealing with health-related concerns among (N = 136) on-line support group participants. The findings indicate that sense of community/similarity and lack of judgment/stigma were the most important advantages of on-line support group users, emotional and esteem support were perceived more positively than informational support, and participants had largely positive views of on-line support providers. The implications of the findings in terms of previous research on social support and computer-mediated communication are discussed.