Do Internet‐Based Support Interventions Change Perceptions of Social Support?: An Experimental Trial of Approaches for Supporting Diabetes Self‐Management

Abstract

Internet-based support groups are a rapidly growing segment of mutual aid programs for individuals with chronic illnesses and other challenges. Previous studies have informed us about the content of online exchanges between support group members, but we know little about the ability of these interventions to change participants' perceptions of support. A randomized trial of 160 adult Type 2 diabetes patients provided novice Internet users with computers and Internet access to 1 of 4 conditions: (a) diabetes information only, (b) a personal self-management coach, (c) a social support intervention, or (d) a personal self-management coach and the support intervention. After 3 months, individuals in the 2 support conditions reported significant increases in support on a diabetes-specific support measure and a general support scale. Participants' age was significantly related to change in social support, but intervention effects were still significant after accounting for this relationship. This report is a critical first step in evaluating the long-term effects of Internet-based support for diabetes self-management. The discussion identifies directions for future research.

Narrative communication in cancer prevention and control: A framework to guide research and application

“…The information they provide about themselves reduces anonymity, but participants seldom meet, even vicariously through one-to-one e-mail interactions. Despite the absence of face-to-face interaction, as rich as it is with nonverbal cues of emotion, involvement, and personal-even visceral-identification, anonymous supportive interaction online is linked to perceptions of social support and reports of social support received for health and other concerns (50)(51)(52). Online interaction is still interaction, even when it is delayed for minutes, hours, or days.…”

Negative and Helpful Statements in a Patient Only or Therapist Guided Internet Forum in the Aftercare for Psychosomatic Inpatients

“…They are mostly neutral, positive, or supportive. Patients obviously try to be helpful in the encounter with others, and this even more so in the TF (Barrera et al 2002). But, there are also negative or even detrimental comments, like 'this group is good for nothing' or 'I am better than the rest of you'.…”

Psychosocial Group Interventions in Diabetes Care

“…A study by Barrera et al 56 showed that the Internet is actually perceived by its users as an effective source of support. In a randomized trial, 160 novice Internet users with type 2 diabetes (53% female; mean age 59.3 ± 9.4 years) were assigned to four Webbased conditions: diabetes information only, a personal self-management coach, or one of two interventions combining coaching and support.…”