Electronic newsgroups, functioning as electronic support groups, now proliferate on the Internet and commercial computer networks. Little is known about the functioning and efficacy of these groups. A discourse analysis was performed on 306 messages posted to an eating disorder electronic support group. The most common message content involved self-disclosure (31%) followed by requests for information (23%), and the direct provision of emotional support (16%). Six themes were identified in the content of the messages. The majority of members participated in the group during the evening and late night at a time when traditional sources of support have limited availability or are not available. Members of the electronic support group used the same assistance strategies as do face-to-face support group members. These groups offer an innovative approach to providing low cost self-help services to individuals. Recommendations to clinicians and researchers are offered.
The analysis of an electronic support group for individuals with eating disorders
Published 1997 in Computers in Human Behavior
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- Publication year
1997
- Venue
Computers in Human Behavior
- Publication date
1997-08-01
- Fields of study
Medicine, Psychology
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Semantic Scholar
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