Online support groups for mental health: A space for challenging self-stigma or a means of social avoidance?

作者：

Highlights：

• The efficacy of online support groups for mental illness in challenging self-stigma was examined.

• A mediation model was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling and data from 99 users.

• Online support group use does not challenge self-stigma.

• Frequency of visits hinders recovery from self-stigma.

• Active users benefit most due to their pre-existing characteristic that make them active.

摘要

•The efficacy of online support groups for mental illness in challenging self-stigma was examined.•A mediation model was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling and data from 99 users.•Online support group use does not challenge self-stigma.•Frequency of visits hinders recovery from self-stigma.•Active users benefit most due to their pre-existing characteristic that make them active.

论文关键词：Online support groups,Mental illness,Self-stigma,Seeking support

论文评审过程：Available online 28 December 2013.

论文官网地址：https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.11.015