Health Psychology, 2nd Edition

For people who are perhaps isolated by illness or disability, the Internet can
provide a unique and invaluable source of support. It can provide informational support
and can also put people in touch with others experiencing similar circumstances, who
may be able to provide emotional support. Researchers have examined Internet social
support for a range of illnesses, including breast cancer or HIV/AIDS, as well as sites
offering support for behaviour change such as quitting smoking or losing weight. For
example, Fogel et al. (2002) found that women with breast cancer who used the
Internet for information on breast health issues reported greater social support and less
loneliness. This was true even when the use of the Internet was less than 1 hour a
week. Similarly, Kalichman et al. (2003) reported greater perceptions of social support,
as well as greater active coping, among HIV-positive people who used the Internet
for health-related information. Mo and Coulson (2012) suggest that participating in
online support groups help individuals living with HIV/AIDS by four empowering
processes, i.e. receiving useful information, receiving social support, finding positive
meaning and helping others.
Researchers using qualitative methods to content analyse communications in
Internet social support groups have shed light on the types of social support available.
For example, Coulson, Buchanan and Aubeeluck (2007) analysed communications
online in a support group for people affected by Huntington’s disease (an inherited
degenerative neurological disorder). They found that informational and emotional
supports were most commonly offered. Just less than 10 per cent offered tangible help
and this included indirect help such as advising someone of sources of direct help.
Other studies confirm the finding that informational and emotional supports are the
dominant forms of support in online communications.
Further research by Coulson (2013), using qualitative methods, has shown the value
of membership of a web-based community for those with inflammatory bowel disease.
The majority accessed the site daily and to obtain information and emotional support.
They reported that it helped them to accept their illness and learn to manage it. It also
helped them view their disease more positively and improved their subjective well-
being. However, some disadvantages were also reported. For example, a focus on the
negative side of the disease could be demoralising.
In some cases there may be more worrying disadvantages to Internet use. For
example, there has been considerable concern in the media and medical profession
about pro-anorexia websites that provide support for life-threatening behaviour (e.g.
Christodoulou, 2012). In an experimental study of exposure to such websites, Bardone-
Cone and Cass (2007) found evidence of negative effects on viewers’ affect, self-esteem
and perceived weight. Similarly, Whitlock, Powers and Eckenrode (2006) analysed
self-injury message boards for adolescents and suggested that while they may provide
valuable support they may also normalize and so encourage damaging behaviour.

COPING AND SOCIAL SUPPORT 111

It has been suggested that excessive Internet use makes people isolated and

withdrawn. Discuss whether you think this is the case. Do you think it is possible to

improve your social support via the Internet?

ACTIVITY 5.2