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Online We are All Able Bodied: Online Psychological Sense of Community and Social Support Found Through Membership of Disability-specific Websites Promotes Well-being for People Living with a Physical Disability

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Abstract

People with a physical disability are a population who for a number of reasons may be vulnerable to social isolation. Research into Internet-based support sites has found that social support and an online sense of community can be developed through computer mediated communication channels. This study aims to gain an understanding of the benefits that membership of disability-specific online communities may have for people with a physical disability. An online survey was administered to a sample of users of such sites (N = 160). Results indicated that users did receive moral support and personal advice through participating in such online communities. Further, results indicated that online social support and feeling a sense of community online were positively associated with participants' well-being in the areas of personal relations and personal growth. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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... Furthermore, in linking fans' interactions with psychological and industrial results, the sense of virtual community (SOVC) will be considered a key bridge between the variables. Extant scholars have confirmed the significant relationship between the intensity of online communications and the state of belonging [13,14], as well as the feelings of emotional connection to a group and personal well-being [12,15] and intent to advocate [16,17]. Finally, we will examine how dissatisfaction with the previous online fan community space may lead to the intensity of fans' actions in the new fan community platform. ...
... Several empirical studies have confirmed the positive effect of SOC on different types of wellbeing [15,[68][69][70]. According to Davidson and Cotter [70], SOC is significantly associated with subjective well-being in random samples in South Carolina and Alabama, extending its scale to the city context. ...
... According to Davidson and Cotter [70], SOC is significantly associated with subjective well-being in random samples in South Carolina and Alabama, extending its scale to the city context. Furthermore, Obst and Stafurik [15] demonstrate that the feeling of SOC in an online disability community positively relates to participants' psychological well-being, particularly personal relations and growth indicators. This finding is because the feeling of belonging with a community of similar others may encourage self-analysis and personal development. ...
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Activities in the digital economy driven by information technology have rapidly increased in scope and speed in the aftermath of COVID-19. Meanwhile, social isolation accelerated by quarantine measures has increased concerns about individuals’ mental health. However, little is known about the specific consequences of online interactions, especially when applied in online fan community-based relationships where loyal community members are prevalent. Therefore, we examined whether a sense of virtual community (SOVC) can link fans’ online activities with their mental well-being and behavioral loyalty to the platform. For this purpose, we focus on BTS fandom “Adorable Representative MC for Youth” (ARMY) behaviors and attitudes on the fan community platform Weverse. With 202 valid data samples acquired from global ARMY, this study conducted a partial least squares–structural equation modeling analysis. The empirical findings reveal that SOVC in Weverse is significantly influenced by the intensity of online interactions with other fans and parasocial relationships with celebrities. SOVC is found to be the direct predictor of fans’ behavioral loyalty and mental well-being. When considering fans’ perceptions of other social media platforms, dissatisfaction with previous online fan communities enhances the intensity of online interactions with other fans in Weverse.
... Technology has been used to cope with barriers to social participation present in offline life (Dobransky and Hargittai, 2016). Studies show disabled young people overcome attitudinal barriers using online social arenas, where they can control perceptions (Bowker and Tuffin, 2002;Obst and Stafurik, 2010). Disability-specific online communities can expand social support (Obst and Stafurik, 2010 ownership of a problem widely recognized as important is politically effective and productive. ...
... Studies show disabled young people overcome attitudinal barriers using online social arenas, where they can control perceptions (Bowker and Tuffin, 2002;Obst and Stafurik, 2010). Disability-specific online communities can expand social support (Obst and Stafurik, 2010 ownership of a problem widely recognized as important is politically effective and productive. ...
... Disabled people often face exclusion from technologies others take for granted (Macdonald and Clayton, 2013). Considering disabled people use the internet to meet peers on their own terms and avoid social stigma (Bowker and Tuffin, 2002;Obst and Stafurik, 2010), ensuring equal access may prevent loneliness and challenge the stigma that can lead to it. While some British strategies encourage skills training for 'disabled and elderly' people, these groups are often conflated, suggesting the intended target is adults. ...
Article
Purpose Loneliness’ impact on health and wellbeing has emerged as a public health issue in several countries. Young people are increasingly understood as a ‘risk group’ and intervention target for loneliness-reduction. This research paper aims to present a discourse analysis of policies and political speech about young people and loneliness. Design/methodology/approach Using discourse analysis inspired by Carol Bacchi’s “What is the Problem Represented to Be” (WPR) approach, this cross-cultural analysis studies loneliness policy in the United Kingdom (UK) and Norway. In doing so, the authors ask: What is the problem of loneliness among young people represented to be in UK and Norwegian welfare policy? Findings The findings indicate paradoxical problematizations of the role technology plays among lonely young people, who, in this context, are divided in two categories: able normative and disabled youth. We reveal fundamental differences in beliefs about the impact of technology on these groups, and corresponding differences in the proposed solutions. The problem of young peoples’ loneliness is represented as uncertainty about potential harms of digital connectedness and reduced face-to-face interactions. In contrast, the problem of loneliness among disabled youth is represented as impeded access to social realms, with technology serving a benign role as equalizer. Originality/value Little research has examined this new policy field. The article contributes to filling this gap and encourages policymakers to consider how political discourses on loneliness may lead them to overlook digital interventions young people could find beneficial.
... Understanding the processes which support community engagement and attachment is important to supporting public health. Stronger levels of attachment to the communities in which one lives and/or participates has been associated with meaningful benefits to individual mental and physical health, including improved well-being and quality-of-life [39,63,76,100] and buffers against sources of stress [29,40,119]. Increased feelings of connectedness among youth has been shown to reduce the risk of involvement in high-risk behaviors and increase resiliency [33,36,45,56,87]. ...
... Many studies have also explored the extent to which McMillan and Chavis' definition and model captures community experience within online communities, where interaction among members takes place over the internet, with varying results (sense of virtual community, or SOVC, e.g. [1,11,13,14,41,48,55,64,76,108,116,119]). From blogs to newsgroups to social networking sites (SNS) to multiplayer games, online communities vary broadly in terms of the affordances offered for communication and social experience. ...
... More recently, researchers have sought to understand how and in which cases a notion equivalent to SOC in offline communities exists within online or virtual communities, as sense of virtual community (SOVC). SOVC has been studied within a variety of types of online communities, including listservs and newsgroups [13,14], blogs [11,41,55], and discussion forums [1,48,64,76,95,108,116,119]. Several of these prior studies have demonstrated that the concept of membership or belonging does translate into the experience of participating in online communities [1, 12-14, 64, 108]. ...
Article
Participation in communities is essential to individual mental and physical health and can yield further benefits for members. With a growing amount of time spent participating in virtual communities, it's increasingly important that we understand how the community experience manifests in and varies across these online spaces. In this paper, we investigate Sense of Virtual Community (SOVC) in the context of live-streaming communities. Through a survey of 1,944 Twitch viewers, we identify that community experiences on Twitch vary along two primary dimensions: belonging, a feeling of membership and support within the group, and cohesion, a feeling that the group is a well-run collective with standards for behavior. Leveraging the Social-Ecological Model, we map behavioral trace data from usage logs to various levels of the social ecology surrounding an individual user's participation within a community, in order to identify which of these can be associated with lower or higher SOVC. We find that features describing activity at the individual and community levels, but not features describing the community member's dyadic relationships, aid in predicting the SOVC that community members feel within channels. We consider implications for the design of live-streaming communities and for fostering the well-being of their members, and we consider theoretical implications for the study of SOVC in modern, interactive online contexts, particularly those fostering large-scale or pseudonymized interactions. We also explore how the Social-Ecological Model can be leveraged in other contexts relevant to Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), with implications for future work.
... diano, diversos estudos buscaram identificar os possíveis efeitos da internet para a saúde mental e a qualidade dos relacionamentos interpessoais dos indivíduos (Cai et al., 2020;Fonsêca et al., 2018;Hill & Zheng, 2018;Morgan et al., 2017). Vários estudos indicam a internet como um espaço que facilita o estabelecimento de novas amizades e a obtenção de apoio social, justamente por permitir a conexão entre pessoas com interesses ou condições em comum (Fortim, 2006;Obst & Stafurik, 2010;Prychodco & Bittencourt, 2019;Wang & Chang, 2010). Por outro lado, pesquisas também apontam que a internet pode contribuir para a geração de conflitos devido a suas características, como, por exemplo, possibilitar acesso a informações pessoais e oferecer sistemas de ranqueamento de amigos (Tokunaga, 2011;Vaterlaus et al., 2016). ...
... Outros estudos corroboraram a utilidade da internet, seja por facilitar a comunicação entre as pessoas (Laghi et al., 2013), por facilitar o acesso a informações sobre a rede de amigos (Courtois et al., 2012;Reich et al., 2012) ou mesmo por promover um senso de comunidade e pertencimento em seus usuários (Fortim, 2006;Obst & Stafurik, 2010;Prychodco & Bittencourt, 2019;Sessions, 2010). Como afirmou Nicolaci-da-Costa (2005): "[a internet] foi percebida como um fator de ruptura com as formas tradicionais de trabalharmos, vivermos, nos relacionarmos uns com os outros e muito mais" (p. ...
... 50). Desse modo, a internet, com sua capacidade quase infinita de buscar informações e conectar pessoas por seus interesses em comum, ofere-ce a opção de indivíduos com alguma situação específica, como uma doença crônica (Obst & Stafurik, 2010), ser cuidador de pessoas que exigem cuidados especiais (Prychodco & Bittencourt, 2019), ou ter um hobby (Fortim, 2006;Utz et al., 2012), formarem comunidades e grupos de apoio, oferecendo-se mutuamente suporte emocional e informacional (por meio do compartilhamento de informações), similar ao relatado por Dana (2020), Harkin et al. (2020) e Matos-Silva et al. (2012. ...
Article
Full-text available
A internet tem sido usada cotidianamente pelas pessoas para interagir com outros indivíduos. Assim, é importante entender de que forma propicia, ou não, o desenvolvimento e a manutenção de relacionamentos interpessoais. Nessa perspectiva, esta revisão narrativa crítica da literatura buscou descrever as tendências mais comuns das investigações sobre esse tema entre 2011 e 2020, bem como destacar as suas principais contribuições. Para tanto, as bases de dados SciELO, LILACS e Web of Science foram consultadas, resultando na seleção de 25 artigos. Dentre os principais achados, destaca-se a contribuição da internet para o início e manutenção de relações interpessoais. Verificou-se também uma tendência de comparação entre relacionamentos online e offline, embora diversos estudos tenham salientado o quanto a internet tornou-se uma extensão do mundo offline, auxiliando na manutenção de relacionamentos pré-existentes e possibilitando o estabelecimento de novas relações, que passam a constituir a rede de apoio dos indivíduos. Investigações futuras mostram-se necessárias sobre as repercussões negativas do uso da internet, que muitas vezes ocasionam o rompimento de relacionamentos.
... Social support (SS) is a vital element of a social commerce system and found to be useful in relationship building and in enhancing users' overall well-being within social media platforms (Obst and Stafurik, 2010). Social media features allow users to share information with each other and offer a caring and helpful support system (Bai et al., 2015). ...
... Social support plays a crucial role in social commerce adoption (H9), influencing consumer behavior and technology adoption by enhancing decision-making and user relationships on social media platforms (Obst and Stafurik, 2010). Prior research has demonstrated the significance of social support in consumer behavior and its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety associated with adopting social commerce. ...
Article
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Social commerce has evolved into a mainstream channel for marketers and businesses for selling products online. However, consumers in many developing economies have yet to fully adopt social commerce technology. This research, therefore, aims to develop and empirically validate a conceptual model for understanding the factors influencing consumer adoption of social commerce in Bangladesh using an adapted and extended version of the Meta-UTAUT model. Analysis was undertaken to determine the appropriateness of external constructs such as trust, social support, anxiety, grievance redressal, innovativeness, and continuous participation intention. This research collected data from 402 social commerce users from Bangladesh to test and validate the proposed research model. The results suggest that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, innovativeness and trust have a direct influence on consumer attitude, whilst social influence, grievance redressal, facilitating conditions, social support, anxiety, and attitude, significantly influence usage behavior. The results also found that usage behavior is a strong predictor of continuous participation intention. This research contributes to existing knowledge by conceptualizing and validating a technology adoption model, which emphasizes the role of anxiety and grievance redressal in consumer acceptance of social commerce.
... Users are more inclined to endorse things online, provide useful commercial information, or seek business prospects from online pals when they believe they have an excellent relationship with a social network [78][79][80] . It has been observed that a user's intention to continue using a service provider is influenced over time by the strength of their relationship with that provider [103,105,109] . In this way, businesses cannot ignore the importance of connection quality in social commerce. ...
... The use of both content and relational analysis in the articles reviewed indicated that social commerce assists consumers in pre and post-product evaluation including discussions on product ratings [101,108] . Through social community and social support, social commerce establishes peer-to-peer networking and enhances group communication through content, creates friendship and trust, and increases customer feedback [99,103] . The many marketing activities and communication roles played by social commerce promote positive brands and buying preferences, perceptions, and buying intentions that positively influence consumer-to-consumer shopping experiences due to the availability and sharing of brand information [4,5] . ...
Article
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Social commerce has a strategic role in the sustainability of corporate brands. It has been discovered that little or no attention has been given to the cost-reduction strategy of social commerce to sustain corporate brands. Social commerce presents a three-way cost reduction (for manufacturers, members of trade, and consumers) to sustain brand performance globally. Social commerce works to reduce the cost of commercial advertising and other promotional elements. The study’s objective was to establish whether social commerce reduces the promotional cost of corporate brands and how that helps to sustain corporate brands. The study reviewed literature, with most spanning between 2010 and 2023, from the world and in both academia and industry. The study reveals that social commerce reduces the cost of managing corporate brands through brand trust and relationship building through social support and communities created on social media for brands. Social commerce has made many customers become company employees, resolving customer complaints and offering various forms of assistance to prospective and existing customers without adding cost to the company’s payroll. The study revealed again that customers now pay directly to disseminate brand messages shifting most of the communications cost to the customer. The cost of employing celebrities for product recommendation has been reduced due to both online and offline social commerce thus saving cost and increasing corporate brands profitability.
... Users are more inclined to endorse things online, provide useful commercial information, or seek business prospects from online pals when they believe they have an excellent relationship with a social network [78][79][80] . It has been observed that a user's intention to continue using a service provider is influenced over time by the strength of their relationship with that provider [103,105,109] . In this way, businesses cannot ignore the importance of connection quality in social commerce. ...
... The use of both content and relational analysis in the articles reviewed indicated that social commerce assists consumers in pre and post-product evaluation including discussions on product ratings [101,108] . Through social community and social support, social commerce establishes peer-to-peer networking and enhances group communication through content, creates friendship and trust, and increases customer feedback [99,103] . The many marketing activities and communication roles played by social commerce promote positive brands and buying preferences, perceptions, and buying intentions that positively influence consumer-to-consumer shopping experiences due to the availability and sharing of brand information [4,5] . ...
Article
Full-text available
Social commerce has a strategic role in the sustainability of corporate brands. It has been discovered that little or no attention has been given to the cost-reduction strategy of social commerce to sustain corporate brands. Social commerce presents a three-way cost reduction (for manufacturers, members of trade, and consumers) to sustain brand performance globally. Social commerce works to reduce the cost of commercial advertising and other promotional elements. The study’s objective was to establish whether social commerce reduces the promotional cost of corporate brands and how that helps to sustain corporate brands. The study reviewed literature, with most spanning between 2010 and 2023, from the world and in both academia and industry. The study reveals that social commerce reduces the cost of managing corporate brands through brand trust and relationship building through social support and communities created on social media for brands. Social commerce has made many customers become company employees, resolving customer complaints and offering various forms of assistance to prospective and existing customers without adding cost to the company’s payroll. The study revealed again that customers now pay directly to disseminate brand messages shifting most of the communications cost to the customer. The cost of employing celebrities for product recommendation has been reduced due to both online and offline social commerce thus saving cost and increasing corporate brands profitability.
... For example, in one recent review of domestic violence policy in higher education, only one institution in the U.K. offered specific guidance to disabled people [68]. It is, therefore, unsurprising that online forums are used to obtain advice, guidance, and social support from others [69]. Online forums can provide disabled people with social support and a sense of community [36,69] and may be used to disseminate appropriate domestic violence related guidance. ...
... It is, therefore, unsurprising that online forums are used to obtain advice, guidance, and social support from others [69]. Online forums can provide disabled people with social support and a sense of community [36,69] and may be used to disseminate appropriate domestic violence related guidance. ...
Article
Full-text available
Disabled people are at increased risk of violence, including physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. We conducted a thematic analysis of discussion forum posts (N = 50) from the popular online platform, Reddit. Posts discussed personal experiences of domestic violence, most commonly referring to partner violence (n = 23) or abuse perpetrated by a parent (n = 16). We identified three primary themes associated with domestic violence: (i) Perpetrators Targeting Disability (e.g., withdrawing access to medication or assistive devices and verbal abuse focused on the disability), (ii) Isolation and Dependence (e.g., financial dependence on the perpetrator), and (iii) Accessibility of Support (e.g., inaccessibility of domestic violence shelters and bureaucracy of the benefits system). Findings highlight the relationship between disability and domestic violence. Greater societal recognition of this issue is required, and systems must be put into place to ensure that disabled victim-survivors of domestic violence can access the health and personal care required.
... As a type of online community, OHCs also provide social support that can improve SOC. For example, a study by Obst and Stafurik found that for people with disabilities, different types of social support (emotional support, information support, companionship support) provided by OHCs can improve their life satisfaction and increase their SOC (Obst & Stafurik, 2010). Access to different types of social support is an important reason for the elderly to adopt OHCs; peer support and information support obtained in the community help the elderly build a SOC (Litchman, Rothwell, & Edelman, 2017). ...
... Third, OCS influences the SOC only during the epidemic. This research finding is somewhat different from that of past studies (Litchman et al., 2017;Obst & Stafurik, 2010;Oh et al., 2014). Most research shows that OCS influences the SOC in a general environment. ...
Article
Full-text available
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the governments of different countries adopted, such as locking down cities and restricting travel and social contact. Online health communities (OHCs) with specialized physicians have become an important way for the elderly to access health information and social support, which has expanded their use since the outbreak. This paper examines the factors influencing elderly people’s behavior in terms of the continuous use of OHCs from a social support perspective, to understand the impact of public health emergencies. Research collected data from March to April 2019, February 2020, and August 2021, in China. A total of 189 samples were collected and analyzed by using SmartPLS. The results show that (1) social support to the elderly during different stages has different influences on their sense of community and (2) the influence of the sense of community on the intention to continuously use OHCs also seems to change over time. The results of this study provide important implications for research and practice related to both OHCs and COVID-19.
... Litchman et al. (2018) identified the same push factors for adults managing diabetes and Zheng et al. (2015) reported that people who take ownership of their health tend to have better outcomes. Additionally, seeking out an online community and social networks has the potential to enhance the wellbeing of adults with physical disabilities (Obst and Stafurik, 2010) and with mental problems (Naslund et al., 2016). Moving on to the cultural level, and in keeping with findings by Hurst (2019) and Thompson (2012), I previously used DGM and social media in my leisure time to view or post comments, pictures, blogs, vlogs, or podcasts as a mechanism for obtaining support for my health and wellbeing. ...
... For example, via DGM I can access people with the same health condition to share experiences (Househ, Borycki & Kushniruk, 2014), expand social networks (White & Dorman, 2001), and ask questions that may be embarrassing to ask in a face-to-face setting (Consedine, Krivoshekova & Harris, 2007). An online sense of community can help me to overcome feelings of isolation when I am bedbound or housebound and to build confidence and self-esteem (Obst & Stafurik, 2010). For other individuals, Lupton (2014) highlights the opportunities to build a sense of accomplishment through online community participation and the ability to track and monitor health progress and wellbeing (e.g., weight, diet, or workouts). ...
... Notwithstanding with the rise of online social networking, individuals currently have various chances and devices to associate on the web and bolster one another. According to Obst and Stafurik (2010), through social interactions, for both their companions and networks they can create online SS. Today, users in the whole planet can get the rewards imparted via interactive websites as purchasers have a solid voice on the internet as consumers know how to share and make content online (Zwass, 2010). ...
... Some users wish to seek information only, while others expect emotional support. Hajli (2014) added that social media assists SS online (Wang and Emurian, 2005;Obst and Stafurik, 2010;Kaplan and Haenlein, 2010). ...
Article
The social association of the buyers on the web contributes in shaping the social commerce. This study aims to measure the relationship between social commerce constructs, social support (SS) and perceived trust. The sample of the study was constituted of 289 social networking website users selected from northern India. The information regarding social commerce constructs, trust and intention to buy was collected by applying three standardised scales. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data. The results showed that social commerce constructs had a significant impact on social support, while social support exercised a significant effect on trust. The results also confirmed the partial mediation effect of social support. The tested research model can be utilised in the advancement of brand, new products, co-invention of value for branding, and pre-testing any idea of product development on social networking websites.
... Notwithstanding with the rise of online social networking, individuals currently have various chances and devices to associate on the web and bolster one another. According to Obst and Stafurik (2010), through social interactions, for both their companions and networks they can create online SS. Today, users in the whole planet can get the rewards imparted via interactive websites as purchasers have a solid voice on the internet as consumers know how to share and make content online (Zwass, 2010). ...
... Some users wish to seek information only, while others expect emotional support. Hajli (2014) added that social media assists SS online (Wang and Emurian, 2005;Obst and Stafurik, 2010;Kaplan and Haenlein, 2010). ...
Article
Full-text available
The social association of the buyers on the web contributes in shaping the social commerce. This study aims to measure the relationship between social commerce constructs, social support (SS) and perceived trust. The sample of the study was constituted of 289 social networking website users selected from northern India. The information regarding social commerce constructs, trust and intention to buy was collected by applying three standardised scales. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data. The results showed that social commerce constructs had a significant impact on social support, while social support exercised a significant effect on trust. The results also confirmed the partial mediation effect of social support. The tested research model can be utilised in the advancement of brand, new products, co-invention of value for branding, and pre-testing any idea of product development on social networking websites.
... The increased ability to pursue one's goals may promote well-being and mental health. Prior research shows that individuals with a sense of connection to others with physical disabilities experience greater well-being and mental health than those lacking this sense (Minotti et al., 2021;Obst & Stafurik, 2010). ...
Article
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Purpose/Objective: Disability has traditionally been viewed as a deficit in psychology research; however, accruing work suggests that viewing disability as an identity may be protective for mental health and well-being among disabled individuals. Therefore, developing disability identity measures that comprehensively capture this view of disability as an identity is an important step for promoting disabled individuals’ flourishing. Research Method/Design: To address this, we conducted two studies aimed at developing and validating a new scale to measure physical disability identity among adults with physical disability. In Study 1 (N = 104), we solicited feedback on our new scale from adults with physical disabilities and revised our scale to ensure that it captured their lived experiences. In Study 2 (N = 296), we tested the factor structure of the new Physical Disability Identity Scale. All data were collected in 2023. Results: Most participants reported that our scale was easy to comprehend and comprehensively captured their lived experiences. We found evidence for a six-factor structure of the new Physical Disability Identity Scale, which assessed the following dimensions: Connection, Satisfaction, Centrality, Openness, Individual Self-Stereotyping, and Disability Lens. In addition, results suggested that Connection, Satisfaction, and Openness were adaptively related to well-being and health, whereas Centrality, Individual Self-Stereotyping, and Disability Lens were mostly adversely related to well-being and health. Conclusion/Implications: This research suggests that our Physical Disability Identity Scale is valid among adults with physical disabilities and that physical disability identity dimensions may be valuable to consider in future work on well-being and health among individuals with physical disabilities.
... Online health communities effectively transcend constraints of time and space, which facilitate the communication of information on various subjects and empower individuals to seek or provide social support. In the process, users can experience an enhanced sense of well-being in their personal relationships and personal growth (Obst and Stafurik, 2010). Their health information needs would also be satisfied (Gooden and Winefield, 2007). ...
Article
Purpose Online health communities can be both supportive and vulnerable since they rely highly on stable engagement from core members. Understanding the factors affecting member churn is vital. This study examines an online health community on hair loss, taking a meso-level approach centering on community. It investigates how users’ potential social capital, proactive social engagement, and received social support in the community influence their churn. Design/methodology/approach This study collected the complete dataset spanning 13 years from an online health community on hair loss in mainland China. It gathered over 42700 posted messages from 4,270 core users along with their associated text. Social network analysis and survival analysis were then conducted to both calculate the user node centrality and create a hazard model to analyze user churn. Findings The findings indicate that increased social capital and social support can help prevent user churn. However, higher social engagement alone does not directly reduce the likelihood of withdrawal from users. Instead, users are more likely to stay in the community if they are highly engaged and receive substantial social support. Social support emerges as a critical factor in this process. Originality/value This study innovatively adopts a meso-level community perspective and investigates user churn within an online health community for individuals with a self-limiting condition, namely hair loss. The research probes the interactive effects of user engagement and social support on user churn within the online health community. Advice on sustaining member participation is given based on the findings.
... Also key are the conditions in which a person lives and functions (neighborhood, social, or community networks). By utilizing the power of online cultures, people with disabilities can access a broader range of support systems and resources, improving their living conditions and enhancing empowerment (Obst & Stafurik, 2010). Researchers can include all environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors and health and support systems in this area. ...
Chapter
This chapter presents crucial aspects of theoretical background of empowerment of people with disabilities within online cultures. Empowerment plays a crucial role in transformative change in the quality of life of people with disabilities, aiming to recognize people with disabilities as people capable of full participation in various forms of social life, including creating diverse cultures (traditional or online). The situation of people with disabilities largely depends on social conditions. Within the Internet, social media, and digital platforms, these social conditions can notably influence the empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities. The presence of people with disabilities in online cultures and communities has great potential to increase their empowerment. Activity within such cultures can be helpful as a space for enhancing social support, communication, cooperation, and self-advocacy of people from socially marginalized groups. Online communities allow people with disabilities to advocate in areas crucial in the context of their everyday lives. Online cultures are also vital regarding personal and group development.
... Social support has been found to be a major social value that internet users can obtain from an online community [37]. People feel close and connected to others whom they perceive to be responsive and supportive [38]. ...
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Live streaming e-commerce to promote products and sales has become a trend for online sellers. Although some studies have focused on consumers' behavioral intentions, few studies have investigated the social support provided by streamers in the context of live streaming e-commerce. Based on S-O-R model, the aim of this study is to explore the impacts of social support on consumer behavior intention. An online survey method was adopted to test the research model, and 471 valid surveys were gathered. This study employed the PLS-SEM method to verify the hypotheses. The results of this study reveal that emotional support and financial support exert positive effects on shopping enjoyment and thus affect consumer purchase intention. This study not only extends the theories of social support, but also offers practical implications for streamers to improve the quality of their streaming and increase revenue.
... The appearance of SNSs has changed the form of information from centralization and broadcasting into collaboration and sharing 3 . This change has made it easier for Internet users to communicate and maintain c their social relationships 4 . Carlota et al. 1 and Obst and Stafurik 5 have found that SNSs encourage interpersonal connections and increase the availability of social support through information sharing, guidance, and the friendships 1 . ...
Article
How do people define their online relationships? Do "friends" still offer social support to each other on Facebook? This article discusses the effects of tie strength and gender difference on social support for online friendships. The results showed that individuals with strong ties have a significantly higher frequency of clicking "like," and posting comments and messages on Facebook than individuals with weak ties do. In addition, females have a significantly higher frequency of liking, commenting and messaging than males. The results reconfirm the gender difference of social support in sociology and reveal the pattern behind user behavior on a social network website. These findings could be applied to the value proposition and to the design of interaction tools of social network websites in the future.
... These activities are primary to the basic human need for obtaining social relatedness and satisfaction, and reducing loneliness and isolation (Day et al., 2018). Accordingly, some elements of social networks have been found to improve psychosocial well-being (Cheung et al., 2018;Obst & Stafurik, 2010) with an increase in satisfaction toward life due to the constant contact with "online friends" (Sheldon et al., 2011). Conversely, some evidence reported a risk for negative outcomes, including low self-esteem and life satisfaction (Andreassen et al., 2017), that may be ascribed to personological or contextual dimensions, making the excessive adoption of social media comparable to addictive behavior. ...
... This may be due to the diversity of the platforms on which the information resides. As a result of further analysis of heterogeneity, we discovered that the effect of social support on the credibility of health information in OHCs was significant, consistent with previous findings that highlighted the significance of social support in OHCs (Obst and Stafurik, 2010;Ballantine and Stephenson, 2011). ...
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Purpose This study aims to address the growing importance of online health information (OHI) and the associated uncertainty. Although previous research has explored factors influencing the credibility of OHI, results have been inconsistent. Therefore, this study aims to identify the essential factors that influence the perceived credibility of OHI by conducting a meta-analysis of articles published from 2010 to 2022. The study also aims to examine the moderating effects of demographic characteristics, study design and the platforms where health information is located. Design/methodology/approach Based on the Prominence-Interpretation Theory (PIT), a meta-analysis of 25 empirical studies was conducted to explore 12 factors related to information content and source, social interaction, individual and media affordance. Moderators such as age, education level, gender of participants, sample size, platforms and research design were also examined. Findings Results suggest that all factors, except social support, have significant effects on the credibility of OHI. Among them, argument quality had the strongest correlation with credibility and individual factors were also found to be relevant. Moderating effects indicate that social support was significantly moderated by age and education level. Different sample sizes may lead to variations in the role of social endorsement, while personal involvement was moderated by sample size, platform and study design. Originality/value This study enriches the application of PIT in the health domain and provides guidance for scholars to expand the scope of research on factors influencing OHI credibility.
... Since McMillan and Chavis (1986) proposed the theory of SOC, it has been studied in diverse contexts, such as neighborhoods (Wood et al., 2010), educational settings (Wighting et al., 2009), community organizations (Obst et al., 2002), and leisure activities (Fairley & Tyler, 2012). Research on SOC has often investigated place-based settings such as in-person events (Kerwin et al., 2015), but recent research has also explored SOC in settings such as online communities and person-based groups not linked to a particular space (Legg et al., 2015;Lizzo & Liechty, 2022;Obst & Stafurik, 2010). For example, Lizzo and Liechty (2022) explored an online running club and found that members' experiences fit well with all four components of SOC, suggesting SOC can be fostered within online spaces. ...
... Community psychology aims to employ insight to enhance the overall well-being of individuals [53,54]. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of community interactions for well-being becomes particularly evident. ...
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Activities in the digital economy driven by information technology have rapidly increased in scope and speed in the aftermath of COVID-19. Meanwhile, social isolation accelerated by quarantine measures has increased concerns about individuals’ mental health. However, little is known about the specific consequences of online interactions, especially when applied in online fan community-based relationships. Therefore, we examined the impact of loneliness in the context of COVID-19 on online interaction with other fans and parasocial relationships with celebrities on the Weverse platform. We also examined how these interactions influence mental well-being and the sense of virtual community. With 202 valid data samples acquired from global BTS fandom, this study conducted a partial least squares–structural equation modeling analysis. The empirical results demonstrate a significant positive relationship between loneliness and the extent of online interaction, while no significant impact on parasocial relationships was observed. Both online interaction and parasocial relationships were found to enhance both well-being and SOVC. However, these results were observed to differ between Weverse paid subscribers and free users.
... Most endometriosis patients are open to finding information and sharing experiences online, with higher trust in official endometriosis sites [82]. Online communities for people with physical disabilities have been proven effective in offering social support and advice [83]. Thiel et al. [84] even suggest utilizing this interest in online platforms to provide more well-founded information to avoid nocebo-effects in treatment. ...
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Endometriosis is currently the second most common gynecological disease and is associated with severe pain, vegetative impairment, and infertility. In association, there are considerable psychological symptoms that limit the quality of life of those affected. In this narrative review, the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework was utilized to display the different transdiagnostic processes involved in disease progression and maintenance in regard to psychosocial functioning. Using the RDoC framework, it becomes clear that immune/endocrinological dysregulation is interlocked with (pelvic) pain chronification processes and psychological symptoms such as depressive mood, loss of control, higher vigilance toward the onset or worsening of symptoms, social isolation, and catastrophizing. This paper will discuss and identify promising treatment approaches, in addition to medical care, as well as further research implications. Endometriosis can come with substantial psychosomatic and social burden, requiring more research to understand the interdependence of different factors involved in its chronic development pathway. However, it is already clear that standard care should be extended with multifaceted treatments addressing pain, as well as the psychological and social burden, in order to halt the cycle of aggravation of symptoms and to improve quality of life for patients.
... Previous research has shown that social support is an antecedent to a sense of belonging 22,46 and well-being. 14,47 One study that surveyed members of a particular virtual community 46 found that social support leads to members' attachment to online communities. Social support within virtual communities offers members a stronger feeling of belonging by assisting them in meeting their informational and emotional needs. ...
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This study pursues a better understanding of consumer well-being in online medical cosmetics communities by investigating the antecedents of well-being and moderating influence of community norms. A total valid sample of 484 respondents was collected from 2 popular medical cosmetics discussion platforms. A partial least squares analysis was used to validate the research model. Emotional support, informational support, and sense of belonging were important predictors of well-being. Among these 3 antecedents, emotional support showed the strongest influence on consumer well-being. Sense of belonging was significantly and positively influenced by emotional support and reciprocity, and hence plays a pivotal role in mediating the effects of emotional support and reciprocity on well-being. However, informational support does not appear to significantly influence sense of belonging. Members' compliance with community norms positively moderates the influence of sense of belonging on well-being. This study contributes to the literature on realizing members' social behaviors specifically in virtual medical cosmetics communities and provides insights for the management of online communities.
... Studies have indicated engaging with social media can potentially benefit people with disability, including people with vision impairment (Burke et al., 2011;Ellison et al., 2007;Obst and Stafurik, 2010). Using social media could enable people with vision impairment to develop and maintain meaningful relationships, increase the frequency and quality of their social interactions and reduce feelings of loneliness (Fuglerud et al., 2012;Lou et al., 2012). ...
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As the number of social media users continues to increase globally, it is important to explore the experiences of different segments of users. While research on social media use by people with vision impairment is growing, lacking is research in this area in Nigeria. This qualitative study describes the lived experiences and perceptions of social media use among Nigerian adults with vision impairment, using a transcendental approach. Findings showed that people with vision impairment experienced a reduction in social connectedness due to their vision impairment, but those who used social media were able to enhance social connectedness, increase social interaction, develop social relationships and expand their social networks. Participants described social media as a good medium for learning and education as it enabled ready access to information. Results indicated that supporting adults with vision impairment experiencing reduced social connectedness to engage with social media could help improve their social well-being.
... Studies have indicated engaging with social media can potentially benefit people with disability, including people with vision impairment (Burke et al., 2011;Ellison et al., 2007;Obst and Stafurik, 2010). Using social media could enable people with vision impairment to develop and maintain meaningful relationships, increase the frequency and quality of their social interactions and reduce feelings of loneliness (Fuglerud et al., 2012;Lou et al., 2012). ...
Article
Our study describes the lived experiences and perceptions of social media use among Nigerian adults with vision impairment, using a transcendental approach.
... For the Kiwi bloke this means not being 'effeminate' or emotional and not struggling with mental health and illness, effectively silencing men from discussing their feelings and calling out these destructive behaviours (Jacobson, 2021). Adriani describes this silencing in terms of who qualifies for and feels welcome in mental health programs and services, particularly in small rural communities and in the South Island (Angermeyer & Matschinger, 2003;Browne-Yung et al., 2013;Corrigan et al., 2014;Obst & Stafurik, 2010;Zito et al., 2001). As will be examined further below and is discussed by Adriani and Demas, social media, particularly sites that offer greater anonymity, such as Reddit, are excellent outlets and spaces of exploration for those suffering from mental illness or declining mental health but do not feel that they can express this in their everyday lives to those around them or use/have access to services. ...
Thesis
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Drawing on 15 semi-structured interviews with Aotearoa youth, all of whom actively discuss disability and/or mental health online, alongside textual analysis of a variety of posts collected through approximately 100 hours of observation among 15 online community groups and tag searches across the social media platforms Facebook, Reddit and Instagram, I investigate how these New Zealanders engage in and with digital space. A core argument of this thesis is that social media forums and communities provide youth with a place to create a sense of solidarity in a society dominated by ableist assumptions. However, these spaces are also constructed and encoded with these ableist assumptions. As a member of the disabled community examining these issues and what it means to consider mental illness to be a "chronic disease"-or disability-of youth (McGorry et al., 2007:S5) were incredibly interesting. Digital technologies and social media provide spaces for the hidden histories of socially marginalised groups, such as the disabled and mentally ill, to be given their own voices. In this thesis, I investigate how some disabled and mentally ill youth in Aotearoa use the freedoms, information-sharing capacities, and community features of digital and social media (such as memes, photos, and YouTube content) in their communications of their experiences and perspectives. Language, as a social practice, plays a critical political and social role in how disabilities and mental health are understood in Aotearoa and, therefore, how disabled and mentally ill youth communicate on social media. These explorations lead to understandings of the relationship between voice and the activist, something which is non-linear and temporally situated. Activism and the activist are influenced by social norms, often being placed as the Other, leading to temporal retreats from activist activity. Social media provides a space and opportunity for disabled and mentally ill youth to reclaim their autonomy and their voice, which in traditional ableist spaces have been taken from them. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has illustrated our digital technologies of care. The dual use of online groups for social support and information-seeking demonstrate how these social media platforms can perform as what Long (2020:250) calls "vital technologies of care" through which users possess the capacity to sustain relationships and wellbeing. They also demonstrate what I have termed "long social Covid"-the shared sense of social consciousness that reflects the social impacts of Covid-19. I suggest that digital communication, by enabling autonomy, voice, and validation, provides vital spaces for intra-group support that can develop into acts of broader social activism. However, social activism is temporally sensitive, an activity which people can and do move in and out of according to their capacities, needs, and ability to engage in activism; the retention of their voice is not dependent on their participation in social activism.
... Previous research has demonstrated that social support facilitates the development of intimate relationships among users and enhances users' well-being in organisations (Obst & Stafurik, 2010). On social media, when consumers receive useful product information, they regard others as helpful, leading to a positive perception of those who share it. ...
Article
Start-ups play an important role in providing job opportunities and promoting economic development. Social media enables start-ups to reach customers at a more affordable cost than traditional channels. The present study aims to explore the possibility of using social media for African start-ups as a marketing and branding tool and to investigate the effects of social media branding on African consumers’ purchase behaviours. Multiple studies were conducted. First, two case studies of African start-ups were made to obtain feasible business models of social media branding. Then, a qualitative pilot study was conducted to explore the consensus map of social media branding from the consumers’ perspective. Finally, a model was established and verified by employing a quantitative approach. Six constructs of trust, interaction, social support, information sharing, brand relationship, and brand engagement are identified. Among them, trust plays a crucial role in the context of African markets. By using SEM testing, the present study reveals that brand relationship and brand engagement act as mediators between social media branding factors and consumers’ purchase intentions. In Africa, the idea of branding via social media is appealing for start-ups due to the emergence and growth of various social media platforms. The present study provides an overall view of social media branding for African start-ups, including business models, consumer engagement, and consumer experience. The insights and suggestions will be beneficial for African start-ups and will contribute to the African business literature.
... Research evidence shows that community members who are highly anxious also experience a weak sense of community and that a strong sense of community could diminish the detrimental effect of anxiety and depression on the wellbeing of a community (Bari, 2020;Byrd, 2016;Garcia-Reid et al., 2013;Koba et al., 2000;Obst & Stafurik, 2010;Romans et al., 2011;Von Worde, 2003;Wichadee, 2010). Thus, anxiety appears to be a good negative predictor of sense of classroom community. ...
Article
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Whereas the role of anxiety and enjoyment in predicting learning outcomes is well documented in the literature, the role of these two emotion dimensions in predicting perceived sense of classroom community is rarely discussed in the literature despite the fact that classroom community serves as a good predictor of learning outcomes. Conducted in a sociocultural context which is under-represented in the international literature, the present study was designed to predict participants’ perceived sense of classroom community based on their reported enjoyment and anxiety scores. A total of 402 senior high school students (male: 153, female: 249) participated in the study. Participants were invited to complete the questionnaires measuring foreign language enjoyment, foreign language anxiety, and perceived sense of classroom community. Multiple regression analysis indicated that foreign language classroom anxiety and enjoyment concurrently explained 39% of the total variance in sense of classroom community. Foreign language enjoyment turned out to be a stronger positive predictor, whereas anxiety was a negative predictor. Both variables were significant predictors for sense of classroom community regardless of gender. Whereas males and females were comparable in terms of perceived sense of classroom community and foreign language enjoyment, females were more anxious than males.
... First, the positive impact of sense of virtual community on social support, sense of virtual community is an important mechanism for people's behavioral responses when faced with input or political mobilization pressure in online environments (Wang, 2010;Daffern et al., 2021). Obst and Stafurik (2010) found that in virtual communities, online community support and a sense of community existed among members, and that by participating in virtual community members could receive moral support and personal advice. In other words, a strong sense of community will predict higher levels of mobilization and intention to act if mobilization pressure from online groups is consistent with the beliefs and values that individuals possess (Tsai et al., 2012). ...
Article
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Although research has begun to explore the influence patterns of sense of virtual community, there is limited research on how sense of virtual community affects educational virtual community user engagement. Based on the educational virtual community context, this study constructs a theoretical model with moderation and mediation to explore the mediation mechanism of sense of virtual community affecting user engagement and its boundary conditions. In this study, the data collected from 377 users are analyzed by structural equation modeling. The research findings found that not only effective commitment has a mediating role between sense of virtual community and user engagement, but also perceived support has a moderating role in the process of effective commitment’s influence on user engagement. This study examines the practical effects of sense of virtual community in the context of educational virtual community use and reveals the mechanism of the effect of sense of virtual community on user engagement.
... Research evidence shows that community members who are highly anxious also experience a weak sense of community and that a strong sense of community could diminish the detrimental effect of anxiety and depression on the wellbeing of a community (Bari, 2020;Byrd, 2016;Garcia-Reid et al., 2013;Koba et al., 2000;Obst & Stafurik, 2010;Romans et al., 2011;Von Worde, 2003;Wichadee, 2010). Thus, anxiety appears to be a good negative predictor of sense of classroom community. ...
Article
Whereas the role of anxiety and enjoyment in predicting learning outcomes is well documented in the literature, the role of these two emotion dimensions in predicting perceived sense of classroom community is rarely discussed in the literature despite the fact that classroom community serves as a good predictor of learning outcomes. Conducted in a sociocultural context which is under-represented in the international literature, the present study was designed to predict participants’ perceived sense of classroom community based on their reported enjoyment and anxiety scores. A total of 402 senior high school students (male: 153, female: 249) participated in the study. Participants were invited to complete the questionnaires measuring foreign language enjoyment, foreign language anxiety, and perceived sense of classroom community. Multiple regression analysis indicated that foreign language classroom anxiety and enjoyment concurrently explained 39% of the total variance in sense of classroom community. Foreign language enjoyment turned out to be a stronger positive predictor, whereas anxiety was a negative predictor. Both variables were significant predictors for sense of classroom community regardless of gender. Whereas males and females were comparable in terms of perceived sense of classroom community and foreign language enjoyment, females were more anxious than males.
... Virtual communities and support groups that connect people with disabilities with one another and build disability identity may be important tools for mitigating social isolation among people with disabilities, especially for young adults, who are less likely to affiliate with other disabled people than are their counterparts over 30 (Nario-Redmond & Oleson, 2016). Importantly, community-building opportunities foster disability identification, which has been shown to facilitate coping with stigma-related stress and increase psychological well-being (Bogart & Hemmesch, 2016;Obst & Stafurik, 2010). ...
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Purpose/objective: Emerging research has highlighted sources of magnified stress and trauma for people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to others in the general population. However, little research has examined the mental health impact of the pandemic on people with disabilities in relation to disability-related stigma, social isolation, and demographic characteristics. The present study therefore sought to identify predictors of depression and anxiety symptoms among U.S. adults with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Method/Design: Data were collected online between October and December 2020. U.S. adults with disabilities (n = 441) completed self-report measures of depression, anxiety, psychosocial processes, and a range of demographic and disability characteristics. Results: In our sample, 61.0% and 50.0% of participants met criteria for a probable diagnosis of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, respectively. Participants also experienced significantly higher levels of disability-related stigma and social isolation compared to prepandemic norms. Hierarchical regression analyses identified higher social isolation, presence of chronic pain, younger age, higher disability-related stigma, and higher worries about contracting COVID-19 as significant predictors of both depression and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion/implications: This study highlights important demographic and psychosocial predictors of mental health risks for people with disabilities in the context of COVID-19. Findings further underscore the need to attend to those at elevated risk within the disability community as rehabilitation professionals, disability organizations, and policy makers work to support people with disabilities in postpandemic recovery and create a more equitable response to ongoing and future public health crises. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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The COVID-19 pandemic broke down the human infrastructure of many community-based programs, disrupting in-person care services for low-resourced families. Yet, minimal work has explored how actors repair these breakdowns and how other infrastructures may interfere with repairs in such contexts. Interviewing adolescents and adults affiliated with a youth empowerment program, we used the pandemic to examine how a human infrastructure that previously facilitated a sense of community broke down and how members attempted to repair this infrastructure. While organized activities, resources, and interpersonal interactions aligned to facilitate in-person care that established a sense of community, incorporating information and communication technologies to align a sociotechnical infrastructure during social restrictions could not overcome multiple constraints imposed by other infrastructures that limited this sense of community. We discuss limitations to care and aligning together multiple disjointed infrastructures, calling for CSCW researchers to critically consider asset-based design as a methodology that might help sustain a community's well-being.
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Trends in critical disability studies have taken issue with the absence of representations of disability beyond images of heroism or charity cases (Chaturvedi; Ferri; Sherry). In addition, an absence of representation in cinema and literature reinforces an existing bias that individuals with disabilities are uninteresting and have less value than nondisabled people (Beckett et al.; Hodkinson). The article explores the frontier of disability activism on social media as a space where new onto/epistemologies grapple among existing biases of disability. Particularly, the autoethnographic study looks at the experiences of two women, one who has a physical disability and one who has a child with a disability, as disability activists on social media.
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People with disabilities experience persistent, multifaceted disadvantage across the life course. The origins of life course disadvantage among people with disabilities may stem, in part, from exclusion during developmentally sensitive periods in childhood. Time use among adolescents represents a potentially important mechanism implicated in the emergence of disability-related disadvantage, but previous research has largely neglected the time use of school age adolescents with disabilities. Utilizing nationally representative time diary data, this study investigated disability-related differences in adolescents’ time use, and how these gaps vary by sex and age. Results indicated that disability-related differences in time use are widespread and substantial in magnitude. Adolescents with disabilities spend more time in screen-based leisure, alone, and with mothers, and less time in educational activities than non-disabled adolescents. Boys with disabilities additionally spend less time in structured leisure and with peers than non-disabled boys. Differences in time alone, with peers, and in screen-based leisure increase in magnitude at older ages. We conclude that differential time use in adolescence may contribute to multiple persistent disadvantages experienced by people with disabilities over the life course.
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Visual online communities can present accessibility challenges to older adults or people with vision and motor disabilities. Motivated by this challenge, accessibility and HCI researchers have called for voice-based communities to support aging and disability. This paper extends prior work on voice community design and short-term use by providing empirical data on how people interact with voice communities over time and intentional instances of non-use. We conducted a one-year study with 43 blind and low vision older adults, of whom 21 used a voice-based community. We use vignettes to unpack five different voice community member roles - the obligatory poster, routine poster, cross-platform lurker, busy socialite, and visual expertise seeker - and discuss community interactions over time. Findings show how participation varied based on engagement in other communities and ways that participants sought interaction. We discuss (1) how to design voice communities for member roles and (2) the implications of synchronous and asynchronous voice community interaction in voice-only communities.
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Research conducted in contemporary Poland shows that shows that disability is one of the features that causes online hatred and causes suffering for the person who creates and publishes online content on social networks, blogs and websites. This prompted me to conduct netnographic research on hating people with disabilities in social media, which as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic have become much more used also by people with disabilities. The main goal of the article was to recreate what comments are considered hate by people with disabilities – creating their channels, profiles on social media or blogs. Then I will analyze the collected entries in order to characterize the phenomenon of hate speech in Poland against people with disabilities on social networks.
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Badania przeprowadzone we współczesnej Polsce ukazują, że niepełnosprawność stanowi jedną z cech, która jest powodem nienawiści w internecie i powoduje cierpienie osób, które tworzą i publikują treści online na portalach społecznościowych, blogach oraz stronach internetowych. To skłoniło mnie do przeprowadzenia badań netnograficznych na temat nienawiści wobec osób z niepełnosprawnościami w mediach społecznościowych, które w wyniku epidemii COVID-19 stały się znacznie częściej używane również przez osoby z niepełnosprawnościami. Zasadniczym celem artykułu było zrekonstruowanie, jakie wypowiedzi/komentarze są uważane za hejt przez osoby z niepełnosprawnościami, które tworzą swoje kanały, profile na mediach społecznościowych lub blogi. Następnie przeprowadziłam analizę zebranych wpisów, aby dokonać charakterystyki zjawiska nienawiści wymierzonej w osoby z niepełnosprawnościami na portalach społecznościowych w Polsce. Słowa kluczowe: mowa nienawiści, hejt, niepełnosprawność, media społecznościowe, dyskryminacja. Research conducted in contemporary Poland indicates that disability is one of the factors contributing to online hatred and causing suffering for individuals who create and publish content on social networks, blogs, and websites. This led me to conduct netnographic research on the hate directed towards people with disabilities on social media, which has become more prevalent due to the Covid-19 epidemic, affecting individuals with disabilities as well. The primary objective of the article was to understand which comments are deemed as hate speech by individuals with disabilities who create their channels, profiles on social media, or blogs. Subsequently, I will analyze the gathered entries to characterize the phenomenon of hate speech in Poland against people with disabilities on social networks. Keywords: hate speech, online hatred, disability, social media, discrimination.
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Disability acceptance is one of the most significant constructs in the psychosocial adaptation process. Although prior research has examined the relationship among different biopsychosocial factors, disability acceptance, and quality of life (QoL), limited study focused on entering a series of biopsychosocial factors simultaneously into analysis to reflect live experience of individuals with disabilities. This study aimed to examine the role of acceptance regarding the relationship between a series of biopsychosocial factors (i.e., general health, physical functioning, pain, anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, stigma, sense of community, and neighborhood problems) and QoL based on Livneh’s psychosocial adaptation model to inform psychosocial interventions. A total of 430 participants with disabilities completed an online survey consisting of instruments measuring target variables. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a three-factor structure for selected biopsychosocial factors (i.e., psychological difficulties, physical status, and community issues). Structural equation modeling results showed that the proposed model indicated a fair model fit after respecification. Effect analyses showed that disability acceptance directly affected QoL and partially mediated the relationship between physical status and QoL and psychological difficulties and QoL. In addition, loneliness has been found to significantly and directly predict QoL in the respecified model. The model demonstrated that disability acceptance and loneliness have a significant impact on QoL.
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The COVID-19 pandemic changed everything, especially marketing, leading to increased digital usage. Social media allows faster connectivity among people and gives marketers new pathways to engage with consumers. The lockdown dramatically reduced economic activity by numbers that are worth understanding. This study examines the numerous aspects contributing to the consumer’s favorable opinions toward their social commerce intents and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using SEM, the data examination of 297 respondents established that applying the social support theory and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model to the proposed theoretical framework is significantly associated with social commerce intentions. The results state that all the direct hypotheses have been supported, confirming that social support, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, offline subjective norms, and online subjective norms are significantly associated with social commerce intentions. The results also indicated that Information Technology Infrastructure (ITI) moderated social support, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and online subjective norms.
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The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect that social media usage may have on social physique anxiety, and self-presentation in exercise. Specifically, the main research questions answered were whether overall social media usage (total time per week spent across individual social media platforms), online usage tendencies (observer or contributor), age cohort (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39), and/or physical activity levels (active or inactive), influenced perceptions of social physique anxiety and self-presentation in exercise among women. A total of 214 women between 18-39 years of age were recruited. A final usable sample of 155 women was retained who tracked their online social media usage tendencies for one week using a screen-time app (MyPhoneTime) and completed online surveys which measured social physique anxiety, self-presentation in exercise. Participants provided social media screen-time data tracking which indicated time and type of social media platforms used. Overall, Instagram was the most used platform for those 18-29 years old, while Facebook was the most used platform for those 30-39 years old, and Twitter was the least used platform across all age groups. Further breakdowns revealed Facebook was most used by those 30-34 years old, Instagram and Twitter were most used by those 25-29 years old, and TikTok and Snapchat were most used by those 18-24 years old. The findings revealed that there were no significant relationships between overall social media usage time, social physique anxiety, impression motivation, and impression construction dimensions of self-presentation in exercise. However, increased Twitter usage was related to increased scores in the impression motivation dimension of self-presentation. In addition, those who were more physically active also had increased impression motivation scores for self-presentation. This was most prevalent with those 18-24 years old.
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Purpose This paper aims to examine how situational factors with social support affecting purchase intention in social commerce (SC). In Taiwan’s SC, the relationship between trust belief and purchase intention has always been a key issue. Design/methodology/approach This study presents a research model that comprises five hypothesis with five constructs, including situational factors, social support, senses, trust belief and purchase intention. The model is tested on data collected from 532 valid samples in Taiwan, using structural equation modeling. The results show that, in order of importance, control senses and raise mediation trust belief reach the better purchase intention. Findings The findings of the study provide practical insights in understanding how seller should notice consumer’s trust belief, in order to enhance purchase intention for the SC as a whole. Originality/value Much existing consumer behavior research is focused on decision making rather than the trust belief themselves. Accordingly, analyzing how senses influence trust belief and purchase intention is an important issue in SC.
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This study explored the association between mobilities and life satisfaction among wheelchair users. Mobilities encompass not only spatial mobility but also motility. Offline and online questionnaires were administered, and a mobile phone application was used to gather GPS data. Motility was measured in terms of the perceived mobility environment, and spatial mobility was measured by the daily travel distance, the average number of edges in daily motif patterns, and the number of trips per week. The results show that the perceived mobility environment and the number of edges in daily motif patterns were positively associated with life satisfaction. However, the spatial range of movement and number of trips had no correlation with life satisfaction. These results suggest that social efforts are needed to improve motility as well as mobility and promote social activity among people with mobility disabilities.
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The rapid development of information and communication technologies has demonstrated their potential to enable people with physical disabilities (PPD) to improve their livelihoods and reduce social exclusion in China. Only a few studies have been conducted to investigate how online social support boosts PPD’s sense of belonging and to determine which type of social support they need. We followed the sense of belonging theory and social support theory to review the related literature and understand the mechanisms by which PPD may use mobile applications to receive support in the online environment. Both personal interviews and questionnaire surveys were conducted. We collected data from 337 PPD from the China Disabled Person’s Federation. Results of the statistical analysis revealed that both emotional and informational support are significantly related to sense of belonging. Furthermore, sense of belonging affects social connection and social well-being. The results of the moderation analysis showed female and male PPD received different kinds of support. The findings offer insights for disability service institutions interested in better enablement of PPD.
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This study was aimed at measuring the effect of customer word of mouth on purchase intentions on social networks. The unlimited statistical population of the present study included all clothing buyers on Instagram social network, in which 380 people were chosen by the non-probability sampling method. This study’s data collection tool was a questionnaire with a descriptive survey method. To test the hypotheses, Structural equation modeling (Smart PLS software) was employed. The research findings revealed that persuasive power, resource expertise, and interaction with social networks positively and significantly affect the usefulness of electronic word of mouth. However, perceived information, message source credibility, attitude to information do not affect the usefulness of electronic word of mouth. Moreover, the persuasive power and credibility of the message source positively and significantly affect the credibility of electronic word of mouth; nevertheless, the message source expertise, attitude to information, as well as interaction with social networks do not affect the credibility of electronic word of mouth. The usefulness of electronic word of mouth and the validity of electronic word of mouth positively and significantly affect the acceptance of electronic word of mouth. In the end, the research findings revealed that attitude to information, interaction with social networks, the usefulness of electronic word of mouth, and the credibility of electronic word of mouth positively and significantly affect the purchase intention. Nevertheless, accepting electronic word of mouth does not affect the purchase intention.
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This paper explores the use and impact of the Internet by disabled people in China, informed by the social model of disability. Based on survey data from 122 disabled individuals across 25 provinces in China, study findings suggest that there is an emerging digital divide in the use of Internet amongst the disability community in China. Internet users in our study do not appear to be representative of most disabled people in China. For the minority of disabled people who do have access to the Internet, however, its use can lead to significantly improved frequency and quality of social interaction. Study findings further suggest that the Internet significantly reduced existing social barriers in the physical and social environment for disabled people. Implications for future research, and strategies for increasing reducing the digital divide between the minority of Internet users and the majority of disabled people in China are discussed.
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The development of a self-report measure of subjectively assessed social support, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), is described. Subjects included 136 female and 139 male university undergraduates. Three subscales, each addressing a different source of support, were identified and found to have strong factorial validity: (a) Family, (b) Friends, and (c) Significant Other. In addition, the research demonstrated that the MSPSS has good internal and test-retest reliability as well as moderate construct validity. As predicted, high levels of perceived social support were associated with low levels of depression and anxiety symptomatology as measured by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Gender differences with respect to the MSPSS are also presented. The value of the MSPSS as a research instrument is discussed, along with implications for future research.
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A random sample survey of an online self-help group for people with hearing loss was conducted. Two factors predicted active participation in the group: a lack of real-world social support and being comparatively effective (having less disability, coping more effectively, and using real-world professional services). More active participation in the group was associated with more benefits from the group and stronger reports of community orientation. The authors also found evidence that integration of online and real-world support (if it existed) benefited participants. That is, if supportive family and friends in the real world shared the online group with participants, participants reported above average benefits, whereas if supportive family and friends were uninvolved in the online group, participants reported below average benefits. One of the best parts of Beyond Hearing is talking to the few friends I have on the list who I know off list. . . . That opinion was offered to us by a member of an Internet support group for people with hearing loss. If the statement seems incongru-ous, it is probably because today's dominant narrative about social support on the Internet focuses on its value when real-world support is unavailable (see Davison, Pennebaker, & Dick-erson, 2000; Galegher, Sproull, & Kiesler, 1998; McKenna & Bargh, 1998; Mickelson, 1997). In this article, we draw on theory from the field of social network analysis to explore the role of Internet support versus real-world support. We use empirical evidence from a ran-dom sample survey and follow-up survey of an online discussion group for people with hearing loss. We show that although compensatory on-line support is associated with benefits in this group, leveraged online support—a mixing of real world and online support—is associated with even more benefits.
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Sense of community (SOC) has been found to be a predictor of adult well-being and psychological health. Recent research has begun to explore adolescents’ SOC. However, there is a dearth of research on the meaning children attach to their community and the development of their SOC, despite its potential for providing an understanding of important aspects of children’s lives. Conversational interviews were conducted in schools with 46 children aged from 9 to 12 years. The results were analysed using an unfolding strategy. The Ž ndings indicate that for children, understandings of community focus on the relationships shared with the signiŽ cant others central to their experience of childhood—family, friends, and neighbours, consistent with Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework. Children also described community in terms of environment, both built and natural. Further exploration of the children’s understanding of community yielded insights into the role of activities, interactions, good and bad aspects of community and problem solving in their understanding of community. The implications of the research are discussed in terms of programme planning at the individual and systemic levels.
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A theoretical model of psychological well-being that encompasses 6 distinct dimensions of wellness (Autonomy, Environmental Mastery, Personal Growth, Positive Relations with Others, Purpose in Life, Self-Acceptance) was tested with data from a nationally representative sample of adults (N = 1,108), aged 25 and older, who participated in telephone interviews. Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for the proposed 6-factor model, with a single second-order super factor. The model was superior in fit over single-factor and other artifactual models. Age and sex differences on the various well-being dimensions replicated prior findings. Comparisons with other frequently used indicators (positive and negative affect, life satisfaction) demonstrated that the latter neglect key aspects of positive functioning emphasized in theories of health and well-being.
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To compile and evaluate the evidence on the effects on health and social outcomes of computer based peer to peer communities and electronic self support groups, used by people to discuss health related issues remotely. Analysis of studies identified from Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Evidence Based Medicine Reviews, Electronics and Communications Abstracts, Computer and Information Systems Abstracts, ERIC, LISA, ProQuest Digital Dissertations, Web of Science. We searched for before and after studies, interrupted time series, cohort studies, or studies with control groups; evaluating health or social outcomes of virtual peer to peer communities, either as stand alone interventions or in the context of more complex systems with peer to peer components. Peer to peer interventions and co-interventions studied, general characteristics of studies, outcome measures used, and study results. 45 publications describing 38 distinct studies met our inclusion criteria: 20 randomised trials, three meta-analyses of n of 1 trials, three non-randomised controlled trials, one cohort study, and 11 before and after studies. Only six of these evaluated "pure" peer to peer communities, and one had a factorial design with a "peer to peer only" arm, whereas 31 studies evaluated complex interventions, which often included psychoeducational programmes or one to one communication with healthcare professionals, making it impossible to attribute intervention effects to the peer to peer community component. The outcomes measured most often were depression and social support measures; most studies did not show an effect. We found no evidence to support concerns over virtual communities harming people. No robust evidence exists of consumer led peer to peer communities, partly because most peer to peer communities have been evaluated only in conjunction with more complex interventions or involvement with health professionals. Given the abundance of unmoderated peer to peer groups on the internet, research is required to evaluate under which conditions and for whom electronic support groups are effective and how effectiveness in delivering social support electronically can be maximised.
Article
A random sample survey of an online self-help group for people with hearing loss was conducted. Two factors predicted active participation in the group: a lack of real-world social support and being comparatively effective (having less disability, coping more effectively, and using real-world professional services). More active participation in the group was associated with more benefits from the group and stronger reports of community orientation. The authors also found evidence that integration of online and real-world support (if it existed) benefited participants. That is, if supportive family and friends in the real world shared the online group with participants, participants reported above average benefits, whereas if supportive family and friends were uninvolved in the online group, participants reported below average benefits.
Article
Objective To compile and evaluate the evidence on the effects on health and social outcomes of computer based peer to peer communities and electronic self support groups, used by people to discuss health related issues remotely. Design and data sources Analysis of studies identified from Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Evidence Based Medicine Reviews, Electronics and Communications Abstracts, Computer and Information Systems Abstracts, ERIC, LISA, ProQuest Digital Dissertations, Web of Science. Selection of studies We searched for before and after studies, interrupted time series, cohort studies, or studies with control groups; evaluating health or social outcomes of virtual peer to peer communities, either as stand alone interventions or in the context of more complex systems with peer to peer components. Main outcome measures Peer to peer interventions and co-interventions studied, general characteristics of studies, outcome measures used, and study results. Results 45 publications describing 38 distinct studies met our inclusion criteria: 20 randomised trials, three meta-analyses of n of 1 trials, three non-randomised controlled trials, one cohort study, and 11 before and after studies. Only six of these evaluated “pure” peer to peer communities, and one had a factorial design with a “peer to peer only” arm, whereas 31 studies evaluated complex interventions, which often included psychoeducational programmes or one to one communication with healthcare professionals, making it impossible to attribute intervention effects to the peer to peer community component. The outcomes measured most often were depression and social support measures; most studies did not show an effect. We found no evidence to support concerns over virtual communities harming people. Conclusions No robust evidence exists of consumer led peer to peer communities, partly because most peer to peer communities have been evaluated only in conjunction with more complex interventions or involvement with health professionals. Given the abundance of unmoderated peer to peer groups on the internet, research is required to evaluate under which conditions and for whom electronic support groups are effective and how effectiveness in delivering social support electronically can be maximised.
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This article examines the effect of frequency and type of Internet use on perceived social support and sense of well-being in persons with spinal cord injury. The results show that Internet use is not significantly related to perceived social support. Bivariate analysis indicates that there is a significant negative association between total Internet use and overall sense of well-being. Simultaneous regression further investigated the nature of this relationship by examining the contribution of 10 online activities to four scales measuring sense of well-being. Frequency of online gaming was negatively associated with each scale. Disability-related information seeking was also negatively associated with psychological and financial well-being, as well as perceived social support. These results suggest that Internet use as a whole should not be overlooked by rehabilitation counselors for its practical uses to increase independence and social connectedness in persons with disabilities; however, care should be used, particularly with online gaming.
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This volume is intended as a guide for doing social support research, as a compendium of . . . work in this field, and as a source of information on the implications of existing work for social policy. . . . We focus on nonprofessional (informal) social support provided by friends, relatives, and acquaintances. This book is of special interest to the large interdisciplinary group of research professionals concerned with the role of psychosocial factors in both physical and mental health. It is also of special interest to practitioners involved in the increasing number of programs designed to support or establish natural helping networks. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Article
Argues that developing a sense of community within institutions for the elderly helps to lessen regressive, dependent behaviors and to promote the continued growth and development of the individual. This also facilitates the individual's adjustment to relocation by providing opportunities for self-determination, social action and peer support; and by maintaining existing social networks and fostering the formation of new networks. An illustrative example describes steps taken to help patients and staff cope with relocation to a new chronic care hospital facility. Community meetings encouraged the formation of social support networks by bringing together patients and staff. As both groups planned social activities and ways to celebrate special occasions together, the community spirit evolved over time and contributed to the well-being of patients, family and staff. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Article
Contends that community psychology has failed in its efforts at social reform. The adverse consequences of segregating the mentally ill, aged, and others in residential institutions are discussed. A new community psychology is proposed which emphasizes a sense of belonging and responsibility among community members. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Article
Although sense of community was heralded by Sarason (1974) as the “overarching value” of community psychology, no theory or definition of the phenomenon has been operationalized or empirically tested. The difficulty in the scientific exploration of sense of community is in the value-laden and phenomenological nature of the experience. Following McMillan and Chavis (this issue), it is theorized that sense of community is represented by four elements: membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection. Brunswik's lens model offers an appropriate method for determining the shared domain of the experience within a diverse population. The goal of this study was to develop a Sense of Community Index (SCI) that would allow the determination of the relative influence of various factors on the judgment of sense of community. Twenty-one judges, representing four professional groupings selected from three urban centers, where employed in the rating of 100 sense of community profiles of randomly selected individuals. There was a high degree of consensus among the diverse groups of judges, and a regression equation with 23 predictors derived from the sense of community profile accounted for 96% of the variance of mean judges, ratings of overall sense of community. The results were interpreted as supporting the theory of McMillan and Chavis, which appears suitable both for scientific investigation and as a framework for intervention. The relationships of specific profile items (e.g., neighboring behavior, length of residence, home ownership, involvement in voluntary associations) are related to the four elements and to the prediction of overall sense of community.
Article
The Internet provides individuals with disabilities numerous tools to live independently. In the convenience of the home, a person can access an abundance of information, an electronic community, updates on the latest disability advocacy news, education through distance-learning classes, and on-line shopping for books, clothes, assistive technology, and a host of other consumer goods. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are consumer-run, non-profit grassroots disability service organizations at the forefront of the disability rights movement. Providing services to individuals across the range of disabilities, CILs have begun to use the Internet as a complement to their traditional service delivery methods. This article examines the emerging trend of independent living services on the web. The investigation examines 200 CIL Internet sites across the United States during the period of April to August 2001. Information is collected and analyzed about how CILs are using the Internet to provide their services and programs. In addition, the article examines the technological accessibility of their web sites. Implications of the findings for CILs, consumers with disabilities, and disability policy are examined. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Article
Two studies explored adolescents' neighborhood and school psychological sense of community. Multiple regression analyses of subscale scores from two social support measures showed that psychological sense of community was related to different aspects of social support depending on the community setting; the number of supportive persons identified was most significantly related to neighborhood sense of community, and the amount of tangible assistance received was most significantly related to school sense of community. Multiple regression results indicated that school sense of community accounted for the highest proportion of variance on the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, followed by satisfaction with social support, and nondirective support received. The data suggest that sense of community is a significant aspect of adolescents' environments, as demonstrated by its relationship to loneliness. Further investigation of the components of adolescent sense of community and their relevance to adolescent development is warranted.
Article
We explored the perceptions of caregivers of older adults using Internet-based social support networks regarding the unique advantages and disadvantages of online social support. Participants were recruited with permission of Web owners through 15 Web sites that offered social networks, and responses from 63 electronically submitted surveys were analyzed qualitatively. Two major advantages of online social support were attributes of computer-mediated communication (CMC)(anonymity, asynchrony, and ability to personalize use) and connectivity (connecting with other caregivers). Disadvantages included limitations of CMC and complaints with CMC. Findings suggest that Internet use may be a potential resource for caregivers in expanding their status-similar social support networks.
Article
A perceived availability of social support measure (the ISEL) was designed with independent subscales measuring four separate support functions. In a sample of college students, both perceived availability of social support and number of positive events moderated the relationship between negative life stress and depressive and physical symptomatology. In the case of depressive symptoms, the data fit a “buffering” hypothesis pattern, i.e., they suggest that both social support and positive events protect one from the pathogenic effects of high levels of life stress but are relatively unimportant for those with low levels of stress. In the case of physical symptoms, the data only partially support the buffering hypothesis. Particularly, the data suggest that both social support and positive events protect one from the pathogenic effects of high levels of stress but harm those (i.e., are associated with increased symptomatology) with low levels of stress. Further analyses suggest that self-esteem and appraisal support were primarily responsible for the reported interactions between negative life stress and social support. In contrast, frequency of past social support was not an effective life stress buffer in either the case of depressive or physical symptomatology. Moreover, past support frequency was positively related to physical symptoms and unrelated to depressive symptoms, while perceived availability of support was negatively related to depressive symptoms and unrelated to physical symptoms.
Article
A qualitative study of fifteen blind or visually impaired persons and sixteen professionals who work with blind and visually impaired persons sought to explore the potential role of the Internet in information provision for this group of people. Traditional forms of access to information such as print have meant that people who are blind and visually impaired have more difficulty in accessing the same range of information that people who are sighted take for granted. Increasingly, computers are being viewed as the solution to the problem of access to the printed word. This study sought to understand the role of the Internet in information provision, within the context of other sources of information and everyday information needs. The article presents findings about the current ways in which people who are blind and visually impaired find information for their everyday lives; the role of the Internet in this process; barriers to using computers and the Internet; and three case studies in information seeking.
Article
Within the discipline of community psychology there is debate as to the dimensions underlying the construct psychological sense of community (PSOC). One of the few theoretical discussions is that of McMillan and Chavis (1986), who hypothesized four dimensions: Belonging; Fulfillment of Needs; Influence; and Shared Connections. Discussion has also emerged in the literature regarding the role of identification within PSOC. It has been suggested that differences in PSOC may be understood in terms of the degree to which members identify with their community (Fisher & Sonn, 1999). However, few studies have explored the place of identification in PSOC. In addition, while PSOC has been applied to both communities of interest and geographical communities, little research has looked in depth at PSOC within communities of interest. The current study therefore explored PSOC in science fiction fandom, a community of interest with membership from all over the world, by means of a questionnaire distributed at an international science fiction convention (N = 359). In an endeavor to clarify the underlying dimensions of PSOC, the questionnaire included several measures of PSOC, and measures of identification with the community. Results showed that science fiction fandom reported high levels of PSOC. Support emerged for McMillan and Chavis' (1986) four dimensions of PSOC, with the addition of a fifth dimension, that of Conscious Identification. These results, and implications for PSOC research, are discussed.
Article
Recently, a new instrument was developed to measure social support. It consists of two parts; the Social Support Questionnaire for Transactions (SSQT) and the Social Support Questionnaire for Satisfaction with the supportive transactions (SSQS). The SSQT measures the number of supportive interactions and has proved to have good psychometric properties. From the taxonomy that was used for the present study, it results that social support in general consists of two aspects. There are, on the one hand, actual supportive transactions and, on the other hand, the perception of being supported or the satisfaction with the social support provided. In the present study, two research questions were addressed. The first concerned the psychometric properties of the SSQS, measuring the individual's satisfaction with the supportive interactions provided. Secondly, the relative contribution of both supportive interactions (the SSQT) and the satisfaction with the support provided (the SSQS) were assessed, in explaining the level of health related quality of life outcome. The data of 744 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from four different countries (116 French, 238 Norwegian, 98 Swedish and 292 Dutch patients) were used in the present study. At the entry of the study, all patients fulfilled four out of seven American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria and had a disease duration of 4 years or less. The results of the study indicate that the SSQS has good psychometric properties across countries. Cronbach's alpha for the emotional support scales was 0.80 or more, and for the instrumental support subscales around 0.60. The standardized regression coefficients demonstrated that, compared to supportive interactions, support satisfaction was more relevant in explaining health related quality of life measures, although it is recommended that the SSQT and SSQS be used to complement each other.
Article
This article reviews the growing use of online self-help and mutual aid groups and explores the helping mechanisms and content of an online self-help group for issues related to disability. Messages were downloaded from the group and coded by raters into helping categories to examine the extent to which therapeutic processes were found. The categories included both task and socioemotional-related functions. The study found that the group provided many of the processes used in face-to-face self-help and mutual aid groups, with an emphasis on mutual problem solving, information sharing, expression of feelings, catharsis, and mutual support and empathy. Implications for social work and health care providers and the need for further research are discussed.
Article
Return-to-work is an area of critical concern for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI), because of the psychological, psychosocial and economic benefits of employment. Although the majority of individuals with SCI are employed pre-injury, they are impeded from maintaining those jobs due to personal, organizational and systems level barriers. Telework, which permits home-based work through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), alleviates many of return-to-work barriers for individuals with SCI, including job demands, mobility limitations, transportation needs and fatigue imposed by medical complications. For telework to fulfill its potential as a return-to-work strategy, rehabilitation professionals and employers must assess and enhance the readiness of the individual, workgroup and organization within the context of a disability management program. Strategies for successfully implementing telework as a return-to-work strategy for individuals with SCI are discussed, along with implications for future research.
Article
Disability climate is a key determinant of the successful integration of individuals with disabilities into the work force and a major influence on the level of occupational stress experienced by this population. Industry-specific attitudes regarding disabilities have an effect on disability climate as perceived by workers, as do formal and informal policies, procedures, and practices. Occupational health nurses can impact organizational disability climates through implementation of disability climate programs, thus improving workplace conditions for workers with disabilities and reducing occupational stress.
Article
Communities started changing from groups to networks well before the advent of the Internet. Initially, people believed that industrialization and bureaucratization would dissolve community groups and leave only isolated, alienated individuals. Then scholars discovered that communities continued, but more as sparsely-knit, spatiallydispersed social networks rather than as densely-knit, village-like local groups. A similar debate has developed about the impact of the Internet on community. Some fear that it will isolate people from face-to-face interactions. Others extol the Internet's ability to support far-flung communities of shared interest.
The Internet for the blind and visually impaired The multidimensional scale of perceived social support
  • K Williamson
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Williamson, K., Wright, S., Schauder, D., & Bow, A. (2001). The Internet for the blind and visually impaired. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 7, DOI: 10.1111/j.1083-6101.2001. tb00135.x. Zimet, G. D., Dahlem, N. W., Zimet, S. G., & Farley, G. K. (1988). The multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Journal of Personality Assessment, 52, 30–41.
Does the Internet increase, decrease, or supplement social capital?: Social networks, participation, and community commitment
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Wellman, B., Haase, A., Witte, J., & Hampton, K. (2001). Does the Internet increase, decrease, or supplement social capital?: Social networks, participation, and community commitment. The American Behavioral Scientist, 45, 436-455.
What Psychotherapists Should Know About Disability
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Olkin, R. (1999). What Psychotherapists Should Know About Disability. New York: The Guilford Press.