Mothers’ experiences of peer support via an Internet discussion forum after the death of a child

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe mothers' experiences of peer support via an Internet discussion group for mothers who have a child died. A longitudinal qualitative study design was used. The research data were collected from four (n = 4) bereaved mothers from a private Internet support group titled 'angel baby' during the period 2001-2006. The data included 631 messages. Content analysis was used to examine the data. Peer support on an Internet discussion forum included giving and receiving emotional, cognitive and community support among bereaved mothers. The Internet discussion forum was a viable alternative to peer support after the death of a child. A strong sense of communality and lasting friendships was formed between the bereaved mothers who had similar experiences.

A methodological review of qualitative longitudinal research in nursing

“…In a typical manner, researchers who collect online data do not collect data at predefined periods so identifying the number of waves was not relevant for one study in our review. Aho, Paavilainen, and Kaunonen () collected 631 messages from four mothers who were members of an Internet support group from 2001 to 2006. It was unclear if all four mothers participated over the 5‐year period and how many messages were submitted per mother.…”

Evaluating a bereavement follow‐up intervention for grieving mothers after the death of a child

“…Intervention may include information and contact with a skilled grief worker (18) or it may be family-centred and focus on an educational meeting with the parents and their supporters (19). The internet also offers possibilities for peer support (20). Earlier studies also confirm the benefit of follow-up calls made by health care professionals (21,22).…”

When Sorrow Never Stops

“…A nurse will not want to tell a parent who has lost a child: "It is better now; he is no longer in pain" or "God needed another angel" or "You will feel better." Words that lack compassion, as well as insensitive statements, only cause more anguish to the bereaved (Aho, Paavilainen, & Kaunonen, 2012).…”