‘ Is anyone else’s husband trying to undermine them all the time? ’: A reflexive thematic analysis of online support forum discussions about bariatric surgery saboteurs
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Online support forums (OSFs) are an increasingly utilised social support resource for bariatric surgery (BS) patients. OSFs could permit patients to discuss sensitive topics, such as being sabotaged post-BS. This study aimed to explore the phenomenon of BS saboteurs via BS-specific OSFs. Two internet search engines were used to identify BS-specific OSFs. The eligible OSF(s) was searched to identify relevant threads. Thread data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. One OSF was eligible. The final dataset included 18 threads ( N replies = 569). Three themes were identified: Feeder Behaviours , Negative Reactions to Bariatric Surgery-Induced Weight Loss and Strategies to Avoid and/or Manage Bariatric Surgery Saboteurs . Transcending these was the notion of The Online Support Forum as a Source of Substituted Social Support and Place of Solace . In lieu of the limited social support received in real life, BS patients use OSFs as a form of social support when being sabotaged.
Source: Journal of Health Psychology
Authors: Sophia Quirke-McFarlane, Jane Ogden
Institution: University of Surrey
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,450
OpenAlex ID: W4405882277