Computer-Mediated Support for Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy or Spina Bifida

Abstract

Social support plays a key role in improving health outcomes for children with chronic conditions. Internet connections are an important component of adolescents' social networks and may overcome geographic and environmental barriers for those with disabilities. This article focuses on the processes associated with a 6-month online support intervention for adolescents with cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Specifically, the purpose was to determine the extent to which adolescents used an online peer support intervention, the processes used, and the perceived benefits and satisfaction with the intervention. Five peer mentors with the same disabilities provided information, affirmation, and emotional support. The online environment created a safe space to foster reciprocal interpersonal connections and appropriate social comparison. Two-thirds of the participants viewed the computer-mediated support intervention as fun. Factors influencing the perceived utility of the intervention included typing speed, cognitive skills, and perceived need for additional support. Girls were significantly more likely to contribute messages than were boys. Peer mentors wished that this type of support program had been available when they were teens, appreciated the supportive elements, and reported learning from the teen participants. Health professionals wanting to implement online support need to consider the age and ability levels of participants and the optimal length and format of the support program.

‘They think I’m really cool and nice’: The impact of Internet support on the social networks and loneliness of young people with disabilities

“…Today's young people use the Internet via their smart phones, tablets or computers ubiquitously for social networking, leisure and recreation and for information gathering (ACMA 2009a;ACMA 2009b;Barnfather et al 2011). Almost all Australian teenagers regularly use social networking (90% of 12-17 year olds in 2009: ACMA 2009b).…”

“…The Internet could provide an opportunity for asynchronous communication without prejudice and time pressure (Barnfather et al 2011;Lewis 2010;Raghavendra et al 2012b). The young adults with disabilities in Cooper et al's study (2009) highlighted the importance of Internet technologies in developing friendships and reducing feelings of loneliness.…”

Doing ‘technological time’ in a pediatric hemodialysis unit: An ethnography of children

“…The development of a computermediated support and social groups for children with ESRD and other chronic conditions, for example the construction of an online social network which can be tested such as that described by Barnfather, et al (2011) andStewart, et al (2011) could be highly beneficial to the children.…”

A grounded theory of Internet and social media use by young people who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

“…The current research sought to explore how being online may address social participation factors by offering opportunities to build, enrich and maintain social ties and relationships beyond the confines of temporal, spatial and physical challenges [8,50,51]. Kirk noted many people with physical disabilities find it difficult to keep in touch with acquaintances as they move through life and points of transition can mean the end of valued relationships [52].…”

“…Grace et al [7] found training young people who use AAC to use the Internet and social media increased opportunities for social participation. All young people, including those who use AAC, strive to establish intimate friendships and access emotional support during adolescence [37,[48][49][50].…”