Empowering Processes and Outcomes of Participation in Online Support Groups for Patients With Breast Cancer, Arthritis, or Fibromyalgia

Bibliographic Data

ID4644358
AuthorsCornelia F Van Uden-Kraan (University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands,), Cornelia F van Uden‐Kraan (0000-0002-3898-416X, University of Twente, corresponding author), Constance H C Drossaert (0000-0002-7083-3169, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands), Erik Taal (0000-0002-9822-4488, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands), Bret R Shaw, Bret Shaw (0000-0002-7395-8995, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA), Erwin R Seydel (University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands), Mart A F J Van De Laar (University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands)
Year2008
Volume18
Issue3
Pages405-417
Publication date2008-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732307313429
PMID18235163
OpenAlexW2141085468
LanguageEN
Citations received65
References cited46

Ever since the rise of online support groups it has been presumed that there is an empowering effect from patients' participating in these groups, despite a lack of evidence to back up this assumption. In this study we explored if, and in which ways, patients feel empowered by participation. Additionally, we studied which empowering and disempowering processes occur as a result of taking part in these groups. To accomplish this aim, we interviewed 32 participants of online support groups. This analysis revealed the following empowering processes: exchanging information, encountering emotional support, finding recognition, sharing experiences, helping others, and amusement. Disempowering processes were mentioned far less often. Empowering outcomes mentioned were being better informed; feeling confident in the relationship with their physician, their treatment, and their social environment; improved acceptance of the disease; increased optimism and control; enhanced self-esteem and social well-being; and collective action. This article demonstrates that participation in online support groups can make a valuable contribution to the emergence of empowered patients

Amusement · Empowerment · Feeling · Influencer marketing · Optimism · Political science · Social support · Cancer survivorship and care · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychology · Social Psychology