Mothers' experiences of peer support via an Internet discussion forum after the death of a child

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 417–426 Mothers’ experiences of peer support via an Internet discussion forum after the death of a child The aim of this study was to describe mothers’ experiences of peer support via an Internet discussion group for mothers who have a child died. A longitudinal qualita...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scandinavian journal of caring sciences 2012-09, Vol.26 (3), p.417-426
Main Authors: Aho, Anna Liisa, Paavilainen, Erja, Kaunonen, Marja
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Child
Death
death of a child
Female
Humans
Internet
Mothers
mothers' grief
Nursing
Peer Group
peer support
qualitative study
Social Support
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Summary:Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 417–426 Mothers’ experiences of peer support via an Internet discussion forum after the death of a child The aim of this study was to describe mothers’ experiences of peer support via an Internet discussion group for mothers who have a child died. A longitudinal qualitative study design was used. The research data were collected from four (n = 4) bereaved mothers from a private Internet support group titled ‘angel baby’ during the period 2001–2006. The data included 631 messages. Content analysis was used to examine the data. Peer support on an Internet discussion forum included giving and receiving emotional, cognitive and community support among bereaved mothers. The Internet discussion forum was a viable alternative to peer support after the death of a child. A strong sense of communality and lasting friendships was formed between the bereaved mothers who had similar experiences.
ISSN:0283-9318
1471-6712
DOI:10.1111/j.1471-6712.2011.00929.x