Lurking towards empowerment: Explaining propensity to engage with online health support groups and its association with positive outcomes. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fullwood, Chris; Chadwick, Darren; Keep, Melanie; Attrill-Smith, Alison; Asbury, Titus; Kirwan, Grainne
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 90(2019)
• Page Start: 131
• Page End: 140
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Online health support groups -- Lurking -- Empowerment -- Online contribution -- Online engagement; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Online health support groups (OHSGs) offer opportunities for people with various health conditions to gain support and associated physical and mental health benefits, however evidence suggests that those who choose to lurk in OHSGs may be less likely to accrue benefits (e.g. empowering outcomes) than those who actively contribute. Most research to date has focused on comparing the outcomes of OSHG engagement for lurkers and participators, yet there has been little research which has considered how the different reasons for lurking might be associated with levels of participation and empowering processes. In this investigation we used a survey to gather data from 237 participants to develop a new scale to measure factors influencing the Propensity for Online Community Contribution (POCCS), and to explore the relationship between these factors and OHSG engagement behaviour and empowering processes accrued from OHSG use. The POCCS comprised nine factors, 1) poor sense of community; 2) struggles with self-expression; 3) inhibited disclosure and privacy; 4) negative online interactions; 5) ease of access and use; 6) health preventing contribution; 7) delayed and selective contribution; 8) goals met without contribution; and 9) lack of time. Five of these factors (1, 3, 6, 7, and 8) significantly predicted OHSG contribution and positive experiences in the form of empowering processes. Findings advocate a more nuanced approach to OHSG engagement, rather than a simple lurking/engaging dichotomy, and may enhance understanding of the relationship between OHSG use and perceived benefits. Highlights: Various factors influence community contributions in online health support groups (OSGs). The Propensity for Online Community Contribution Scale (POCCS) was developed. Nine factors were found to influence online community contribution in these groups. Five factors significantly predict OSG contribution and subsequent empowerment. A more nuanced approach than a lurking/engaging dichotomy is recommended.