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Abstract
Background
Although social support is an important protective factor for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), individuals often encounter significant barriers to obtaining support after experiencing a SCI. It has been suggested that the Internet may serve to help individuals with disabilities overcome common barriers in obtaining support, yet research examining the efficacy of Internet-based support for individuals with SCI has been mixed.
Objective
To develop a more nuanced understanding of how individuals with SCI can or might use the Internet for support.
Design
Using an ethnographic approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine individuals with SCI to explore perceived needs and barriers to information-seeking and online support.
Setting
Participants were recruited from Veterans Administration medical center outpatient and inpatient units providing specialty care to individuals with SCIs and from a community SCI Center of Excellence.
Results
Individuals with SCI gain emotional, problem-focused, and reciprocal support from online sources.
Conclusions
Online resources can provide important opportunities for social support for individuals with SCI.
Acknowledgments
Dr O'Riley received grant support from National Institute of Mental Health T32 National Research Service Award training grant (2T32MH020061-11; PI: Conwell). The authors acknowledge the practicum students working with Dr Rose who assisted in the transcription of the interviews utilized in this study. All research procedures were fully consistent with ethical guidelines. This work should be attributed to the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders Clinic, 3801 Miranda Ave (128), Palo Alto, CA 94304.