There are many implications when looking at online support groups. First off, online support groups are able to reach a larger populations of individuals (White & Dorman, 2001). This helps individuals that may live in more rural areas and would have to travel further to be involved in face to face groups. This helps with any costs that may accrue from having to travel (White & Dorman, 2001). If they are ill and unable to leave their home, online support groups are able to assist them in ways of giving them ideas on how to cope with specific issues they may have. It gives them the sense of belonging, support to keep them strong, as well as empower them with the ability to share and obtain information from professionals as well as others dealing with a similar situation (White & Dorman, 2001). These groups are found to help in stress reduction, lessen the feeling of loneliness and isolation, and learning strategies to cope with the specific issue the individual is facing (Joinson, McKenna, Postmes, & Reips, 2007).
There have been many studies done researching online groups, or internet support groups (ISGs), and whether they are effective for participants. One study done by Classen, Chivers, Urowitz, Barbera, Wiljer, O’Rinn, & Ferguson (2013) took participants that were involved in a 12 week online intervention that was developed to address they psychosexual impact of gynecological cancer. This study found that the intervention was helpful, but more research was needed to determine the efficacy. Yet, according to a study done by Griffiths, MacKinnon, Crips, Christensen, Bennett, & Ferrer (2012), it was found that after 3 months of an ISG for depressive symptoms there were no changes, but at 6 months and 12 months there was a greater reduction in symptoms, causing them to believe that ISGs seem to be promising in helping with depressive symptoms.
There were two studies done on different types of online cancer support groups. One of those studies was done by Love, Crook, Thompson, Zaitchik, Knapp, LeFerre, & … Rechis (2012) where data was gathered from cancer support forums where patients were adolescents and young adults (AYAs). These individuals shared posts and responses in support of one another. These groups were found to be a positive support asset for members. The other study was done by Osei, Lee, Modest, & Potheir (2013) where they randomly selected 40 men, ranging in age from 53 to 87 years in age, that were previously diagnosed with prostate cancer in the last 5 years. The participants were assigned to an online support group for 6 weeks or to a control group. It was found that the quality of life decreased for the individuals in the control group, but the individuals in the support group showed an increase in quality of life after 6 and 8 weeks. More research is needed in order to determine whether online support groups are beneficial to participants and how long the effects last.
Many times individuals decide to join online support groups because they feel alone in their struggles of life. They are looking for emotional support, advice, or just someone who understands how they feel or what they are dealing with. These groups are meant to assist these individuals on their journey, to help them live a fuller and happier life even when dealing with issues. It has been proven in many different types of research that many times online support groups tend to have a more positive effect than a negative. It has also been proven that those effects are not always long lasting. In some cases, the positive effects only last about 3 to 6 months. Much more research is needed in this area to determine the long-term effects of online support groups.
References:
Classen, C. C., Chivers, M. L., Urowitz, S., Barbera, L., Wiljer, D., O’Rinn, S., & Ferguson, S. E. (2013). Psychosexual distress in women with gynecologic cancer: A feasibility study of an online support group. Psych-Oncology, 22(4), 930-935. doi:10.1002/pon.3058
Griffiths, K. M., MacKinnon, A. J., Crips, D. A., Christensen, H., Bennett, K., & Farrer, L. (2012). The Effectiveness of an Online Support Group for Members of the Community with Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Plos Clinical Trials, 7(12), 1-9. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053244
Love, B., Crook, B., Thompson, C. M., Zaitchik, S., Knapp, J., LeFerre, L., & … Rechis, R. (2012). Exploring Psychosocial Support Online: A Content Analysis of Messages in an Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Community. Cyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking, 15(10), 555-559. doi:10.1089/cyber.2012.0138
Osei, D. K., Lee, J. W., Modest, N. N., & Pothier, P. T. (2013). Effects of an Online Support Group for Prostate Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Trial. Urologic Nursing, 33(3), 123-133. doi:10.7257/1053-816x.2013.33.3.123
White, M. & Dorman, S. M. (2001). Receiving Social Support Online: Implication for Health Education. Health Education Research, 16(6), 693-707. doi:10.1093/her/16.6.693