THERAPEUTIC GROUPS ONLINE: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UNKNOWN
Issues in Mental Health NursingPublished 1 January 2000
Deborah L. Finfgeld
Citations168
SJR quartileQ2
SJR score0.65
SNIP0.80
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TL;DR
Seminal findings suggest that these online support groups offer some advantages over their traditional face-to-face counterparts; however, disadvantages have also been identified.
Abstract
In an era of diminishing health care resources, the number of online support groups is increasing. These groups consist of individuals seeking assistance with problems such as depression, suicidal tendencies, substance abuse, cancer, and eating disorders. Although online support groups are apparently popular, little is known about their therapeutic efficacy. Seminal findings suggest that these groups offer some advantages over their traditional face-to-face counterparts; however, disadvantages have also been identified. It is clear that additional research is required to better understand what role these groups should play in mental health care.
Keywords
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