Ever since the rise of online support groups it has been presumed that there is an empowering effect from patients' participating in these groups, despite a lack evidence to back up this assumption. In study we explored if, and which ways, patients feel empowered by participation. Additionally, studied disempowering processes occur as result taking part groups. To accomplish aim, interviewed 32 participants This analysis revealed following processes: exchanging information, encountering...

ABSTRACT This article is the second of a two-part series reporting on population-based study intended to use an eHealth system examine feasibility reaching underserved women with breast cancer (Gustafson, McTavish et al., Reducing digital divide for low-income cancer, 2004; Madison Center Health Systems Research and Analysis, University Wisconsin; Comprehensive Enhancement Support System [CHESS]) determine how they what impact it had them. Participants included recently diagnosed whose...

The goal of the current study was to examine how social support and coping strategies are related in predicting emotional well-being women with breast cancer. In achieving this goal, we examined two hypothesized models: (1) a moderation model where interact each other affecting psychological well-being; (2) mediation level influences choices between self-blame positive reframing. general, data from were more consistent than model.

Abstract Written expression about emotionally traumatic events is associated with physical and mental health benefits, this study examines how insightful disclosure within a computer-mediated support group for women breast cancer affects cancer-related concerns, emotional well-being, self-reported well-being. Using word counting program that notes the percentage of words related to various linguistic dimensions, research specifically examined effects written these groups. Surveys were...

Abstract Objective : To better understand the process and effect of social support exchanges within computer‐mediated (CMSS) groups for breast cancer patients, this study examines (1) dynamic interplay between emotional giving receiving (2) relative effects on patients' psychosocial health outcomes. Methods Data was collected from 177 patients who participated in online Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (CHESS) during 4‐month intervention. included pretest and/or post‐test...

Over the cancer disease trajectory, from diagnosis and treatment to remission or end of life, patients their families face difficult decisions. The provision information support when most relevant can optimize decision making coping. An interactive health communication system (IHCS) offers potential bridge gaps that occur among patients, family, clinicians empower each actively engage in care shared making. This is a report authors’ experience (with discussion literature) developing testing...

Post-treatment relapse to uncontrolled alcohol use is common. Currently available communication technology can existing models for prevention cost-effectively improve long-term prevention. This paper describes: (1) research-based elements of consumption-related and how they be encompassed in self-determination theory (SDT) Marlatt's cognitive behavioral model, (2) could help address the needs people seeking recovery, (3) a technology-based prototype, organized around sexual transmitted...

Based upon Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions, this study examined the role expressing positive emotions in online support groups for women with breast cancer. Underserved cancer rural Wisconsin and Detroit, Michigan were recruited from 2001 to 2003, they given access groups. Both pretest four-month posttest surveys conducted a sample 231 women. Messages 96 active participants analyzed using computerized text analysis program. Psychological benefits that occurred...

Despite large-scale investments and government mandates to expand biofuels development infrastructure in the United States, little is known about how public conceives of this alternative fuel technology. This study examines opinion by focusing on citizen knowledge motivated processing media information. Specifically, we explore direct effects moderating effect partisanship relationship between use benefit vs. risk perceptions following four domains: environmental impacts, economic...

Research indicates that two common ways breast cancer patients or women with cope their diagnosis and subsequent treatments are participating in computer support groups turning to religion. This study is the first we aware of examine how prayer religious expression within can contribute improved psychosocial outcomes for this population. Surveys were administered before group access then 4 months later. Message transcripts analyzed using a word counting program noted percentage words related...

Numerous studies have investigated the effect of Interactive Cancer Communication Systems (ICCSs) on system users' improvements in psychosocial status. Research this area, however, has focused mostly cancer patients, rather than caregivers, and direct effects ICCSs improved outcomes, psychological mechanisms ICCS effects. To understand underlying mechanisms, study examines mediating role perceived caregiver bonding relation between one (the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System...

This study presents a systematic comparison of two alternative measures citizens’ perceptions risks and benefits emerging technologies. By focusing on specific issues (nanotechnology biofuels), we derive several insights for the measurement public views science. Most importantly, our analyses reveal that relying global, single-item may lead to invalid inferences regarding external influences perceptions, particularly those related cognitive schema media use. Beyond these methodological...

Current trends show that despite overall support for hunting, fewer Americans are participating in the activity. Traditional recruitment and retention methods which hunting families initiate, train, socialize their children or other family members into tradition still primary routes to recruiting retaining new hunters. With declining numbers of hunters, however, this approach alone will not be able counter participation trends. This article describes strategies future research directions may...

Boaters and anglers who move between bodies of water are a primary cause the spread aquatic invasive species (AIS), which non-native plants or animals that pose threat to quality, disrupt ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, economic harm. Research suggests engagement with these individuals through opinion leaders within their social networks has potential encourage attitude behavior change. Using theory planned as framework, this article explores factors may enhance AIS outreach behaviors among...

To provide farmers market leaders and researchers with new insights about attendees, given shifting consumer preferences demographics, we conducted a nearly nationally representative survey in the United States. Among 5,141 respondents, 38.51% reported attending markets infrequently (i.e., five or fewer times per year), 41.78% more regularity six greater year). In combination, this equated to 80.30% of entire sample having at least some experience once year more). Of note, were defined as...

To provide insights about how women with breast cancer learn from interactive communication systems (ICCSs), this study examined use of different types services that employ conceptually distinct pedagogical methods relates to learning outcomes. The sample included 231 recently diagnosed, lower income patients. Participants were provided a free computer, Internet access and training in an ICCS called the Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System 'Living Breast Cancer' program. Data...

This study examined what characteristics predict participation in online support groups for women with breast cancer when users are provided free training, computer hardware, and Internet service removing lack of access as a barrier to use. The only significant difference between active inactive participants was that were more likely at pretest consider themselves their healthcare. Among participants, being white having higher energy level predicted volumes writing. There also trends toward...

Little research has examined the antecedent characteristics of patients most likely to seek online cancer information. This study employs Cognitive-Social Health Information Processing (C-SHIP) model as a framework understand what psychosocial precede cancer-related information seeking among rural breast who often have fewer health care providers and limited local support services. Examining 144 were provided free computer hardware, Internet access, training for how use an interactive...