Benefiting from social capital in online support groups: an empirical study of cancer patients.
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.
Beaudoin
Christopher E
CE
Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA. beaudoin@tulane.edu
Tao
Chen-Chao
CC
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