Computer‐mediated support groups: An examination of relationships among social support, perceived stress, and coping strategies

Abstract

This study examined social support, perceived stress, and coping strategies among participants (N = 148) within twenty‐four computer‐mediated support groups. The results indicated that the amount of time a person reported spending communicating with others in on‐line support groups was positively related to the size of his or her support group network and satisfaction with the support he or she received in online support groups. Satisfaction with both on‐line supportive relationships and face‐to‐face supportive relationships was correlated with degree of reduction in perceived life stress. Satisfaction with on‐line social support was predictive of the types of coping strategies used by participants.

Key concepts:

• Computer‐mediated communication
• on‐line relationships
• on‐line support groups
• social support
• Computer‐mediated communication, on‐line relationships, on‐line support groups, social supportcoping strategies