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

Datos Bibliográficos

ID4644358
AutoresCornelia F Van Uden-Kraan (University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands,), Cornelia F van Uden‐Kraan (0000-0002-3898-416X, University of Twente, autor de correspondencia), 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)
Año2008
Volumen18
Número3
Páginas405-417
Fecha de publicación2008-03-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732307313429
PMID18235163
OpenAlexW2141085468
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas65
Referencias citadas46

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