Internet

Effectiveness of the NAMI Homefront Program for Military and Veteran Families: In-Person and Online Benefits

Psychiatr Serv. 2019 Jul 5. [Pubmed Abstract]

Haselden M, Brister T, Robinson S, Covell N, Pauselli L, Dixon L

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Homefront, a six-session, peer-taught family education program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), delivered in person or online, for families or support persons of military service members or of veterans with mental illness.

Methods
Program participants completed online surveys at baseline, at the end of the program (postprogram), and at 3-month follow-up, which measured subjective empowerment, burden, coping, psychological distress, family functioning, experience of caregiving, and knowledge of mental illness. A mixed-effects model examined change over time.

Results
A total of 119 individuals (in person, N=63 [53%]; online, N=56 [47%]) enrolled. Participants showed statistically significant improvement on all dimensions between baseline, postprogram, and follow-up, except for…

Online Peer-to-Peer Communities in the Daily Lives of People With Chronic Illness: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Qual Health Res. 2017 Jan;27(1):89-99. [Pubmed Abstract]

Kingod N, Cleal B, Wahlberg A, Husted GR

Abstract
This qualitative systematic review investigated how individuals with chronic illness experience online peer-to-peer support and how their experiences influence daily life with illness. Selected studies were appraised by quality criteria focused upon research questions and study design, participant selection, methods of data collection, and methods of analysis. Four themes were identified: (a) illness-associated identity work, (b) social support and connectivity, (c) experiential knowledge sharing, and (d) collective voice and mobilization. Findings indicate that online peer-to-peer communities provide a supportive space for daily self-care related to chronic illness. Online communities provided a valued space to strengthen social ties and exchange knowledge that supported offline ties and patient-doctor relationships. Individuals used online communities to exchange…

Online peer-led support group participation among patients with breast cancer: A longitudinal study

J Med Internet Res. 2014 Nov 28;16(11):e256. [Pubmed Abstract]

Emotional approach coping and the effects of online peer-led support group participation among patients with breast cancer: a longitudinal study
Batenburg A, Das E

Background
Previous research on the effects of online peer support on psychological well-being of patients with cancer showed mixed findings. There is a need for longitudinal studies explaining if and when online peer-led support groups are beneficial. How patients cope with emotions that come along with the cancer diagnosis might influence effectiveness of online participation. Emotional approach coping is a construct encompassing the intentional use of emotional processing and emotional expression in efforts to manage adverse circumstances.

Objective
In this longitudinal study, we hypothesize that mixed findings in previous research are partly caused by individual differences in coping with emotions, which may moderate the effects of online support…