title: Benefiting from social capital in online support groups: an empirical study of cancer patients.
abstract: With measures specific to the online cancer environment and data from an online survey of cancer patients, the current study finds support for the following model: asynchronous online communication --> social interaction --> social support --> positive health outcomes in terms of stress, depression, and coping. The findings suggest that the Internet can be a positive cyber venue for cancer patients as they confront illness, undergo treatment, and seek out support.
authors: Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA. beaudoin@tulane.edu
authors: Christopher E
authors: CE
authors: Beaudoin
authors: Chen-Chao
authors: CC
authors: Tao
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D036262:Empirical Research; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support