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In recent years, the rapid expansion in Internet access and computer-mediated communication has fostered new opportunities for individuals with health-related concerns to participate in supportive communication within a network of individuals dealing with similar issues. The aim of this study was to examine the nature of socially supportive communication that took place within a computer-mediated support network for individuals affected by irritable bowel syndrome. Using deductive thematic analysis, 572 posted messages were examined with reference to five main categories of social support (i.e., emotional, esteem, information, network, and tangible assistance). The analysis suggests that the primary function of this group was the communication of informational support, notably within the areas of symptom interpretation, illness management, and interaction with health care professionals.

The present study examined the nature of social support exchanged within an online HIV/AIDS support group. Content analysis was conducted with reference to five types of social support (information support, tangible assistance, esteem support, network support, and emotional support) on 85 threads (1,138 messages). Our analysis revealed that many of the messages offered informational and emotional support, followed by esteem support and network support, with tangible assistance the least frequently offered. Results suggest that this online support group is a popular forum through which individuals living with HIV/AIDS can offer social support. Our findings have implications for health care professionals who support individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

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Past research has suggested that men and women differ in their response to the experience of infertility. However, there is comparatively little research focusing specifically on the male perspective of infertility. The aim of this study was to examine communication within an online infertility support group bulletin board for men and to obtain a richer understanding of the experiences and needs of men affected by infertility. Inductive thematic analysis of 728 messages revealed 5 themes: 'Supporting dearest partner is our key role', 'Is this a good or bad pain', 'Us blokes are mere spectators in most people's eyes', 'Sometimes a male perspective is needed', and 'I don't want to get my hopes up but I can't help it'. Our findings suggest that online support groups may provide a useful venue and context for men to open up about their fertility problems, without the inhibitions associated with face-to-face discussions. In contrast to past research, our findings reveal that the men participating in this online group were experiencing a range of negative emotions and difficulties as a result of infertility.

ObjectiveThis study explored the psychosocial experiences of adults with hearing loss using the self-regulatory model as a theoretical framework. The primary components of the model, namely cognitive representations, emotional representations, and coping responses, were examined.DesignIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using an established thematic analysis procedure.Study sampleTwenty-five adults with mild-moderate hearing loss from the UK and nine hearing healthcare professionals from the UK, USA, and Canada were recruited via maximum variation sampling.ResultsCognitive representations: Most participants described their hearing loss as having negative connotations and consequences, although they were not particularly concerned about the progression or controllability/curability of the condition. Opinions differed regarding the benefits of understanding the causes of one’s hearing loss in detail. Emotional representations: negative emotions dominated, although some experienced positive emotions or muted emotions. Coping responses: engaged coping (e.g. hearing aids, communication tactics) and disengaged coping (e.g. withdrawal from situations, withdrawal within situations): both had perceived advantages and disadvantages.ConclusionsThis novel application of the self-regulatory model demonstrates that it can be used to capture the key psychosocial experiences (i.e. perceptions, emotions, and coping responses) of adults with mild-moderate hearing loss within a single, unifying framework.