TY - JOUR
T1 - Communication That Changes Lives
T2 - Social Support Within an Online Health Community for ALS
AU - Loane, Susan Stewart
AU - D'Alessandro, Steven
PY - 2013/4
Y1 - 2013/4
N2 - Impaired communication due to a disabling illness can lead to reduced participation in community life. Online health communities can provide a substitute community for the purpose of social support and information sharing. This study examines communication between participants in an online community for patients and carers affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease affecting communication and mobility. The study finds community members engaged in a dynamic interchange of information and social support. The results contribute to understanding of communication and social support needs of people with high levels of disability.
AB - Impaired communication due to a disabling illness can lead to reduced participation in community life. Online health communities can provide a substitute community for the purpose of social support and information sharing. This study examines communication between participants in an online community for patients and carers affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a degenerative neurological disease affecting communication and mobility. The study finds community members engaged in a dynamic interchange of information and social support. The results contribute to understanding of communication and social support needs of people with high levels of disability.
KW - Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
KW - Disability
KW - Internet Communication
KW - Online Communities
KW - Social Support
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84876307590&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/01463373.2012.752397
DO - 10.1080/01463373.2012.752397
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84876307590
SN - 0146-3373
VL - 61
SP - 236
EP - 251
JO - Communication Quarterly
JF - Communication Quarterly
IS - 2
ER -