title: Supporting self-efficacy through interactive discussion in online communities of weight loss.
abstract: By conducting a content analysis of online communities connected by the Weight Watchers' online message boards, this study examined the relationship between conversational interactivity and consumer-generated content about consumer health information, self-efficacious content, and experiences with dieting and physical activities. The results showed that discussion about successful experiences with weight loss tended to be more interactive. Discussion about consumer health information tended to be non-interactive. The findings suggest that online communities generate social support through interactive discussion about successful experiences, and the interactive discussion, in return, sustains active participation in the community.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA.
authors.forename: Ye
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Colorado Boulder, USA.
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Willis
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D054626:Consumer Health Information; D004035:Diet Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020377:Self Efficacy; D061108:Social Media; D012944:Social Support; D015431:Weight Loss
keywords: conversational interactivity; online health communities; self-efficacy; social media; weight loss