scholarly journals Development of Social Support Networks by Patients With Depression Through Online Health Communities: Social Network Analysis

10.2196/24618 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. e24618
Author(s):  
Yingjie Lu ◽  
Shuwen Luo ◽  
Xuan Liu
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
To Receive

Background In recent years, people with mental health problems are increasingly using online social networks to receive social support. For example, in online depression communities, patients can share their experiences, exchange valuable information, and receive emotional support to help them cope with their disease. Therefore, it is critical to understand how patients with depression develop online social support networks to exchange informational and emotional support. Objective Our aim in this study was to investigate which user attributes have significant effects on the formation of informational and emotional support networks in online depression communities and to further examine whether there is an association between the two social networks. Methods We used social network theory and constructed exponential random graph models to help understand the informational and emotional support networks in online depression communities. A total of 74,986 original posts were retrieved from 1077 members in an online depression community in China from April 2003 to September 2017 and the available data were extracted. An informational support network of 1077 participant nodes and 6557 arcs and an emotional support network of 1077 participant nodes and 6430 arcs were constructed to examine the endogenous (purely structural) effects and exogenous (actor-relation) effects on each support network separately, as well as the cross-network effects between the two networks. Results We found significant effects of two important structural features, reciprocity and transitivity, on the formation of both the informational support network (r=3.6247, P<.001, and r=1.6232, P<.001, respectively) and the emotional support network (r=4.4111, P<.001, and r=0.0177, P<.001, respectively). The results also showed significant effects of some individual factors on the formation of the two networks. No significant effects of homophily were found for gender (r=0.0783, P=.20, and r=0.1122, P=.25, respectively) in the informational or emotional support networks. There was no tendency for users who had great influence (r=0.3253, P=.05) or wrote more posts (r=0.3896, P=.07) or newcomers (r=–0.0452, P=.66) to form informational support ties more easily. However, users who spent more time online (r=0.6680, P<.001) or provided more replies to other posts (r=0.5026, P<.001) were more likely to form informational support ties. Users who had a big influence (r=0.8325, P<.001), spent more time online (r=0.5839, P<.001), wrote more posts (r=2.4025, P<.001), or provided more replies to other posts (r=0.2259, P<.001) were more likely to form emotional support ties, and newcomers (r=–0.4224, P<.001) were less likely than old-timers to receive emotional support. In addition, we found that there was a significant entrainment effect (r=0.7834, P<.001) and a nonsignificant exchange effect (r=–0.2757, P=.32) between the two networks. Conclusions This study makes several important theoretical contributions to the research on online depression communities and has important practical implications for the managers of online depression communities and the users involved in these communities.

scholarly journals Development of Social Support Networks by Patients With Depression Through Online Health Communities: Social Network Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingjie Lu ◽  
Shuwen Luo ◽  
Xuan Liu
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
To Receive

BACKGROUND In recent years, people with mental health problems are increasingly using online social networks to receive social support. For example, in online depression communities, patients can share their experiences, exchange valuable information, and receive emotional support to help them cope with their disease. Therefore, it is critical to understand how patients with depression develop online social support networks to exchange informational and emotional support. OBJECTIVE Our aim in this study was to investigate which user attributes have significant effects on the formation of informational and emotional support networks in online depression communities and to further examine whether there is an association between the two social networks. METHODS We used social network theory and constructed exponential random graph models to help understand the informational and emotional support networks in online depression communities. A total of 74,986 original posts were retrieved from 1077 members in an online depression community in China from April 2003 to September 2017 and the available data were extracted. An informational support network of 1077 participant nodes and 6557 arcs and an emotional support network of 1077 participant nodes and 6430 arcs were constructed to examine the endogenous (purely structural) effects and exogenous (actor-relation) effects on each support network separately, as well as the cross-network effects between the two networks. RESULTS We found significant effects of two important structural features, reciprocity and transitivity, on the formation of both the informational support network (<i>r</i>=3.6247, <i>P</i>&lt;.001, and <i>r</i>=1.6232, <i>P</i>&lt;.001, respectively) and the emotional support network (<i>r</i>=4.4111, <i>P</i>&lt;.001, and <i>r</i>=0.0177, <i>P</i>&lt;.001, respectively). The results also showed significant effects of some individual factors on the formation of the two networks. No significant effects of homophily were found for gender (<i>r</i>=0.0783, <i>P</i>=.20, and <i>r</i>=0.1122, <i>P</i>=.25, respectively) in the informational or emotional support networks. There was no tendency for users who had great influence (<i>r</i>=0.3253, <i>P</i>=.05) or wrote more posts (<i>r</i>=0.3896, <i>P</i>=.07) or newcomers (<i>r</i>=–0.0452, <i>P</i>=.66) to form informational support ties more easily. However, users who spent more time online (<i>r</i>=0.6680, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) or provided more replies to other posts (<i>r</i>=0.5026, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) were more likely to form informational support ties. Users who had a big influence (<i>r</i>=0.8325, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), spent more time online (<i>r</i>=0.5839, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), wrote more posts (<i>r</i>=2.4025, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), or provided more replies to other posts (<i>r</i>=0.2259, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) were more likely to form emotional support ties, and newcomers (<i>r</i>=–0.4224, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) were less likely than old-timers to receive emotional support. In addition, we found that there was a significant entrainment effect (<i>r</i>=0.7834, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and a nonsignificant exchange effect (<i>r</i>=–0.2757, <i>P</i>=.32) between the two networks. CONCLUSIONS This study makes several important theoretical contributions to the research on online depression communities and has important practical implications for the managers of online depression communities and the users involved in these communities.

scholarly journals Egocentric network characteristics of persons with Type 1 Diabetes and their relationships to perceived social support and well-being

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian Cheyne ◽  
Michael A. Smith ◽  
Thomas Victor Pollet
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Type 1 Diabetes ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Social Support Networks

Objectives: The size of one's support network is positively related to health and well-being. It is therefore important to understand this association in people with Type 1 diabetes, which is hitherto unknown. Moreover, the type of support (emotional, instrumental, informational) offered likely varies by gender of both the person seeking support and offering support. We thus examine the relationship between the composition of (perceived) social support networks and well-being in a sample of 121 persons with Type 1 diabetes. Design: An egocentric social network survey, combined with survey measures. Main outcome(s): The size and composition of support networks and well-being. Measures: Participants indicated the type of support individuals in their contact network offered and their gender, alongside measures of perceived social support and well-being. They indicated which individuals offered which types of support (emotional, instrumental, informational). Results: Perceived support was associated with the actual size of the emotional support network. Further, the size of the emotional support network was associated with well-being. Using multilevel models we examined assortment by gender in social support networks. Compared to women, men were more inclined to list the opposite gender as support, especially for emotional and informational support. Conclusion: Mapping out an individual’s multidimensional support network paints a more complete picture of support than single item measures of support. Our findings suggest further avenues for studying the support networks of people with Type 1 diabetes.

scholarly journals Building and Connecting: Family Strategies for Developing Social Support Networks for Adults With Down Syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne E. Roll ◽  
Barbara J. Bowers
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
The Social ◽  
Professional Resources

Being embedded in social networks is crucial for well-being and health. While this is particularly the case for people with Down syndrome (DS), our knowledge of how their support networks are developed is limited. This article investigates the role of family members in developing and maintaining the social support networks of their adult children with DS. Based on 29 interviews with family members, a grounded theory study was conducted. The Family Building and Connecting (BAC) framework was developed, which distinguishes a “building” and a “connecting” approach. The building approach includes strategies that rely on family members and close friends for building a support network for the person with DS. The connecting approach includes strategies that connect the person with DS to external and often professional resources and services. Distinguishing these approaches is important for future research and for strengthening the support networks of people with DS and their families.

scholarly journals How partners of pregnant women use their social networks when preparing for childbirth and parenthood: A qualitative study

2020 ◽  
pp. 205715852094337
Author(s):  
Caroline Bäckström ◽  
Therese Larsson ◽  
Stina Thorstensson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Transition To Parenthood ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Equator Network ◽  
Expectant Fathers ◽  
To Receive

Social contextual circumstances have an influence on parental transition, and social support has been shown to facilitate the transition to parenthood, among other states. Further knowledge is, however, needed to explore how partners of pregnant women use their social networks during pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how partners of pregnant women use their social networks when preparing for childbirth and parenting. Within this study, a social network is defined as social connections such as family, friends and significant others. In total, 14 partners (expectant fathers and co-mothers) were interviewed. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. EQUATOR Network guidelines and the COREQ checklist were applied. The analysis resulted in one theme of meaning: Partners use their social networks to receive social support, which facilitates understanding about how to prepare for childbirth and parenthood, which was described through three sub-themes. The results highlight the importance of social networks for partners when preparing for childbirth and parenthood. Professionals should aim to strengthen and extend partners’ social networks and access to social support. This could be done not only to support partners to attend parental classes, but also to participate socially as well as engage with other expectant parents within the classes.

scholarly journals The role of internet-based social support network in immigrant settlement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Xiaoping Lin
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Acculturative Stress ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Online Social Support ◽  
The Government

This is an exploratory study on the roles that internet-based social networks play in supporting immigrants in their settlement process, using NewBridger as an example. This research finds that online social networks are able to provide informational, socio-emotional, and some material and instrumental support to immigrants that help meet their settlement needs. Information passed through NewBridger helps immigrants with employment, housing, education and training, leisure, and daily living related issues. Socio-emotional support helps reduce acculturative stress by fostering a sense of belonging and friendship, and by exchanging expressions of love, care and encouragement. Support for immigrants also takes the form of social capital building. This study concludes that online social support networks are valuable supplement to formal support networks consisting of the government and the non-profit sector. This study builds on the theoretical frameworks of social support, social capital and acculturative stress.

scholarly journals Social Support Networks and Quality of Life of Rural Men in a Context of Marriage Squeeze in China

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 706-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sasa Wang ◽  
Xueyan Yang ◽  
Isabelle Attané
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Stressful Event ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Marriage Squeeze

A significant number of rural Chinese men are facing difficulties in finding a spouse and may fail to ever marry due to a relative scarcity of women in the adult population. Research has indicated that marriage squeeze is a stressful event which is harmful to men’s quality of life, and also weakens their social support networks. Using data collected in rural Chaohu city, Anhui, China, this study explores the effects of social support networks on quality of life of rural men who experience a marriage squeeze. The results indicate that the size of social contact networks is directly and positively associated with the quality of life of marriage-squeezed men, and moderate the negative effect of age on quality of life. Having no or limited instrumental support network and social contact network are double-edged swords, which have direct negative associations with the quality of life of marriage-squeezed men, and have moderate effects on the relationship between marriage squeeze and quality of life.

scholarly journals The social support networks of elderly people in Slovenia during the Covid-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjan Cugmas ◽  
Anuška Ferligoj ◽  
Tina Kogovšek ◽  
Zenel Batagelj
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Ego Networks ◽  
The Social

Population ageing requires society to adjust by ensuring additional types of services and assistance for elderly people. These may be provided by either organized services and sources of informal social support. The latter is especially important since a lack of social support is associated with a lower level of psychological and physical well-being. During the Covid-19 pandemic, social support for the elderly has proven to be even more crucial, also due to physical distancing. Therefore, this study aims to identify and describe the various types of personal social support networks of the elderly population during the coronavirus pandemic. To this end, a survey of Slovenians older than 64 years was conducted from April 25 to May 4, 2020 on a probability Web-panel-based sample (n = 605). The ego-networks were clustered by a hierarchical clustering approach for symbolic data. Clustering was performed for different types of social support (socializing, instrumental support, emotional support) and different characteristics of the social support networks (i.e., type of relationship, number of contacts, geographical distance). The results show that most of the elderly population in Slovenia have a satisfactory social support network, while the share of those without any (accessible) source of social support is significant. The results are particularly valuable for sustainable care policy planning, crisis intervention planning as well as any future waves of the coronavirus.

scholarly journals Cohort profile: Korean Urban Rural Elderly (KURE) study, a prospective cohort on ageing and health in Korea

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e031018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namki Hong ◽  
Kwang-Joon Kim ◽  
Su Jin Lee ◽  
Chang Oh Kim ◽  
Hyeon Chang Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Rural Elderly ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Imaging Biomarkers ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Urban Rural

PurposeThe Korean Urban Rural Elderly (KURE) cohort was initiated to study the epidemiologic characteristics, physical performance, laboratory and imaging biomarkers and incidence of age-related diseases in an elderly population with respect to both clinical and social aspects to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies for combatting age-related diseases.ParticipantsA total of 3517 adults aged 65 or older participated in the cohort at baseline from 2012 to 2015, recruited from three urban districts and one rural district in Korea. The second-wave follow-up survey is now being conducted at a 4-year interval from baseline (2016–2019; follow-up rate 71.5%). The data set included detailed information on anthropometric and socioeconomic factors, functional assessments, image scans (plain radiography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and CT), biospecimens (ie, serum, urine and DNA) and social support networks along with the feasibility of linkage to a national claims database.Findings to dateMean age of participants at entry was 71.9±4.6 years and 67% were women. From the KURE participants enrolled in baseline recruitment, several studies were published in the fields of cardiometabolic diseases, musculoskeletal health and the association between social support network and diseases in ageing.Future plansParticipants will be observed actively and passively every 4–5 years and the first follow-up will be completed in 2020. The KURE data set has strength in comprehensive physical function assessments, quantifiable imaging data sets using CT and detailed information regarding the social support networks of participants from a large community-based elderly Korean population.

Feasibility testing of ecomapping in neuro-oncology caregivers to identify social support networks.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (30_suppl) ◽  
pp. 66-66
Author(s):  
Echo L. Warner ◽  
Kathrine Parnell ◽  
Adam Louis Cohen ◽  
Howard Colman ◽  
Maija Reblin
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Caregiver Quality ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
And Function

66 Background: The role of family caregivers (FCGs) is expanding in the U.S. health care system, but caregiver burden may adversely affect health. A functional social network of friends, family, and other acquaintances may alleviate FCG burden and improve FCG health by providing support resources. Ecomaps are visualizations that are created to organize and depict information on the size, quality and function of a person’s social network; and, thus, may be a useful tool for highlighting existing support and identifying where additional support is needed. Our objective was to test the feasibility of ecomapping to identify support networks within a sample of neuro-oncology caregivers. Methods: Participants included 4 spouse caregivers of neuro-oncology patients undergoing treatment at a national cancer hospital. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in person (n=3) and by phone (n=1). Participants either completed or were sent example ecomaps and, using the “think-aloud” approach, were asked to describe their social network. Participants were also asked about the process and usefulness of the ecomap. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and then content analyzed by two members of the research team. Results: All participants were female, mean age 35.5 (SD=5.5) years, caring for husbands whose mean age was 38.2 (SD=7.4) years. The mean length of relationship was 13 years (SD=2.2). All participants found ecomapping to be feasible, acceptable, and useful for identifying sources and types of social support. Network structure and sources of support varied by participant but consistently included religious networks and family. Quality and types of support also varied; each participant identified strengths and weaknesses within their networks. Participants were in favor of using ecomaps to explore their support networks with providers in a clinical setting and desired clinical guidance on developing and interpreting their ecomap. Conclusions: Despite a small sample, this pilot shows evidence for the feasibility and utility of ecomapping. This cost-effective tool could be more widely implemented to identify and harness existing social support and improve neuro-oncology caregiver quality of life.

Effects on Social Support Networks: Exploring the Impact of Type and Severity of Abuse Experienced by Children and Adolescents

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicity A. Quirk ◽  
Debra J. Rickwood
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Young People ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Support Networks ◽  
Social Support Networks ◽  
Abuse And Neglect ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

The importance of social networks for young people who have experienced abuse and neglect remains an underdeveloped area of research and practice. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between abuse experienced by children and adolescents and subsequent outcomes on their social support networks. The study sample consisted of 85 clients (aged 8–15) of a service specifically for children reported to child protection due to child abuse and neglect. Abuse was measured using the Harm Consequences Assessment (HCA), which recorded the level of abuse experienced in five domains: Abandonment/No Appropriate Carer, Developmental and Medical Harm, Emotional and Psychological Harm, Physical Harm and Injury, and Sexual Harm. This also ranked abuse experienced in terms of severity: concerning, serious or extreme. Social network was measured using the Social Network Map. Analyses revealed a very high level of abuse for most young people across multiple domains. Social support was most evident in the “other family” category, and a relatively high level of perceived support was reported. There were few significant associations between levels of abuse and social support networks. However, one significant effect evident was for those young people who had not experienced developmental abuse who reported a significantly better network quality in work/school area of life than those who had experienced concerning or serious developmental abuse. This study contributes to an important body of emerging evidence on social support networks for children who have experienced maltreatment.

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