Abstract:

We focused on the computer-mediated communication (CMC) of social support in an electronic health discussion group dealing with menopause and midlife transition to show how vital support is to women who are trying to make sense of the change in their lives. We analyzed 2,000 messages, examining the type and frequency of support messages, how support was demonstrated, and how support was recognized by participants. We then provided evidence to show that a community of support had developed.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/0739933029008964

Affiliations: 1: Department of Communication, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA 2: School of Journalism and Communication, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA