Mutual help goes on-line

TLDR

The study examined an online mutual‑help group for people with depression. Researchers coded 1,863 posts from 533 participants over two weeks using face‑to‑face mutual‑help concepts. Participants displayed typical face‑to‑face group dynamics, offering high support and self‑disclosure, with men using the site more than women, yet posting content similar to women, suggesting online mutual help uniquely supports those less likely to seek traditional help. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Abstract

This study investigated an on-line mutual-help group for persons suffering from depression. Postings from two randomly chosen weeks were content coded (N = 1,863 postings; 533 participants; 273 males, 173 females) based on concepts salient to face-to-face mutual-help groups. Participants in the on-line group communicated in ways characteristic of face-to-face groups (e.g., high levels of support, acceptance, and positive feelings); however, they engaged in more emotional support and self-disclosure. Unexpectedly, the group was more highly used by men than by women. In addition, the content of men's posts were virtually identical to those of women's. On-line mutual help may provide a unique form of support for persons who are not as likely to use traditional forms of helping. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.