Study Finds Emotional Benefits From Participation In Computer Support Groups

[Guest guest]

(Note: while this info addresses breast cancer online groups, I feel

it is worthy to post, simply because of what is about. This

article says it is the first study - those of you that were here in

the year 2000, might remember that the Journal of American Medicine

had already found evidence that on-line support groups are

beneficial) but then we at knew this from our beginning. ~ G)

Study Finds Emotional Benefits From Participation In Computer Support

Groups

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=40144

Women with breast cancer who participate in computer support groups

can obtain emotional benefits when they openly express themselves in

ways that help them make sense of their cancer experience, according

to a new study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Center of Excellence in Cancer Communications Research (CECCR).

" Even though there are many women with breast cancer participating in

online support groups, this is among the first research studies to

demonstrate measurable benefits from participation in such groups, "

says Bret Shaw, lead author of the study, funded by the National

Cancer Institute (NCI).

The analysis was conducted on message transcripts from 66 breast

cancer patients participating in an online support group member that

was integrated with the " Living with Breast Cancer " program, a

computer-based health education and support system. The patients were

recruited from Madison, Chicago and Indianapolis.

Text messages within the computer-mediated support groups were

analyzed using a text analysis program, which measured the percentage

of words that were suggestive of learning or understanding (e.g.,

aware, feels, know, realize, see, think and understand). A higher

percentage of these insightful words were associated with improved

emotional well-being and reduced negative mood in follow-up surveys.

Earlier studies showed that women with breast cancer use online

support groups because they can anonymously communicate with other

breast cancer patients and also don't need to maintain a show of

strength as may be required with family and friends. Additionally,

there is the convenience of being able to communicate with other

breast cancer patients as needed based on their own schedule.

" Computer support groups are often conceived of as places where

people exchange information, emotional support and encouragement, but

it's interesting that another possible benefit appears to come just

from having the opportunity to talk openly and constructively about

living with breast cancer independent of actual support they receive

from others, " says Shaw.