Date of Graduation
9-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Communication (MA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Communication
Advisor/Mentor
Lindsey Aloia
Committee Member
Matthew L Spialek
Second Committee Member
Rebecca B Leach
Keywords
depression;online discussion boards;social support;stigma
Abstract
This thesis project investigates how individuals suffering from depression seek support, provide support, and describe experiences of stigma in an online support platform. A phronetic-iterative and constant comparative approach guided an in-depth analysis of 37 posts on a discussion board designed for individuals with depression. The findings demonstrated that individuals use online discussion forums to request support both implicitly and explicitly. In response to sought support, individuals provided informational, emotional, and network support. Finally, discussion board participants discussed social and self stigma. Despite the limitations of the study, the findings indicate the utility of online social support platforms for individuals suffering from depression and emphasize their importance in facilitating supportive communicative interactions. Keywords: depression, online discussion boards, social support, stigma,
Citation
Gentry, A. (2023). Seeking and Providing Social Support in Online Forums for Individuals Experiencing Depression. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/4837