Online mutual support in bereavement: An empirical evaluation

Abstract

Thus far, online mutual bereavement support has not been the subject of rigorous empirical examination, despite the fact that this type of support is rapidly growing. Assessment is needed, not only to establish whether there are desirable effects, but also whether there could be negative side effects. This study was designed to increase our understanding of the people who use online mutual bereavement support and provide a preliminary examination of its potential to ameliorate their suffering. Our findings show that people who are currently using online mutual bereavement support are younger, less likely to be part of a religious community, and more likely to have lost a child than bereaved people who had never used this type of support. The former group also shows worse mental health and reports lower levels of social support than people who had stopped using online mutual bereavement support. There was no indication that people who seek out online mutual bereavement support were more likely to live in remote, rural areas than people who do not use this type of support. Using this type of support did not predict changes in mental health over time. Implications of these findings are discussed.