Examining support marshalling within an asynchronous online peer support forum for individuals affected by dementia
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Online support communities may provide individuals affected by dementia opportunities for reciprocal peer support, however, the support marshalling strategies employed and their success remain unclear. Analysis of 100 randomly selected conversation threads from the Dementia Support Forum indicated that 29% (29/100) of opening posts included a direct support marshalling strategy (i.e. explicit support request) compared with 54% (54/100) labelled as indirect, with the remainder not seeking support. Within the direct marshalling posts, informational support was the most frequently requested ( n = 23), followed by network support ( n = 7), emotional support ( n = 5) and esteem support ( n = 1) with analysis of subsequent posts confirming that the types of support requested were present within responses. Regardless of whether a direct or indirect strategy was used, most posts received a response, typically on the same day. Other response facets were comparable, apart from thread duration with conversations elicited through a direct strategy being longer ( M = 39.71 vs 14.62 days).
Source: Journal of Health Psychology
Authors: Neil S Coulson, Catherine V Talbot
Institutions: University of Nottingham, Bournemouth University
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: H2020 European Research Council
OpenAlex ID: W4402990233