Online interaction. Effects of storytelling in an internet breast cancer support group

Social and psychological determinants of participation in internet-based cancer support groups

“…This may suggest that internet-based support is attractive only to cancer survivors who use less avoidant coping. To this group of cancer survivors, internet support groups can be an empowerment strategy by providing new ways of acting on illness [21].…”

The feasibility of a brain tumour website

“…In addition to providing easy access to disease-specific information (Osei et al, 2013;Stanton et al, 2013;Sublett, 2013;Cugelman et al, 2011), IBI is a convenient way to interact with specialists and/or peers (Frensham et al, 2014;Griffiths et al, 2006) for both patients and caregivers (Nicholas et al, 2012;Boots et al, 2014). When IBI enables cancer survivors to share experiences, it can bolster a sense of self-efficacy and control (Stanton et al, 2013;Hoybye et al, 2005). Moreover, IBI allows participation from home (Kukafka et al, 2002), which may be especially beneficial for those at risk of becoming socially isolated (Cavers et al, 2012).…”

The invisible reality of arthritis: A qualitative analysis of an online message board

“…It is increasingly an environment where social relationships are formed and networks increased (Høybe et al, 2005;White and Dorman, 2001). In particular, patients are commonly turning to online message boards instead of joining faceto-face support groups as a means of making contact with other people in similar health situations.…”