title: Predictors of the change in the expression of emotional support within an online breast cancer support group: a longitudinal study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore how the expression of emotional support in an online breast cancer support group changes over time, and what factors predict this pattern of change.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted growth curve modeling with data collected from 192 participants in an online breast cancer support group within the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) during a 24-week intervention period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Individual expression of emotional support tends to increase over time for the first 12 weeks of the intervention, but then decrease slightly with time after that. In addition, we found that age, living situation, comfort level with computer and the Internet, coping strategies were important factors in predicting the changing pattern of expressing emotional support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Expressing emotional support changed in a quadratic trajectory, with a range of factors predicting the changing pattern of expression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results can provide important information for e-health researchers and physicians in determining the benefits individuals can gain from participation in should CMSS groups as the purpose of cancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. wyoo3@wisc.edu
authors.forename: Woohyun
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.forename: Ming-Yuan
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Chih
authors.forename: Min-Woo
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Junghwan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Eunji
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Bryan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
authors.forename: Kang
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Namkoong
authors.forename: Dhavan V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Gustafson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors