Work

Role of Stigma, Anxiety, and Tone on Disclosure and Response Behaviors in Online Health Communities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines user behaviors in online health communities (OHCs) through a mediated-moderated model grounded in the health disclosure decision-making framework. Preliminary findings indicate that information stigma increases concise disclosures, whereas information anxiety drives detailed sharing, both enhancing the helpfulness of support responses. Information tone significantly moderates these relationships. The study contributes to theory by clarifying disclosure dynamics and offers practical recommendations for OHC managers and users to optimize support exchanges.

Source: Journal of the Association for Information Systems

Authors: Manga, Joseph, Andoh-Baidoo, Francis Kofi, Ayaburi, Emmanuel, Geevarghese, Alin

Institutions: Abilene Christian University, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Baylor University

Language: English

Topic: Health Literacy and Information Accessibility

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7024291129

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