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Published in:

01-02-2016

Hanging by a thread: exploring the features of nonresponse in an online young adult cancer survivorship support community

Authors: Brittani Crook, Elizabeth M. Glowacki, Brad Love, Barbara L. Jones, Catherine Fiona Macpherson, Rebecca H. Johnson

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Purpose

Finding helpful information can be challenging for young adult (YA) cancer survivors; thus, it is critical to examine features of online posts that successfully solicit responses and assess how these differ from posts that do not solicit responses.

Methods

Using posts from an online YA cancer support community, we analyzed initial posts that did and did not receive replies utilizing Linguistic Inquiry Word Count (LIWC).

Results

Independent t tests revealed significant differences between the sets of posts regarding content, emotions, cognitive processes, pronoun use, and linguistic complexity. More specifically, posts with replies contained fewer words per sentence, had more first-person pronouns, had more expressions of negative emotions, and contained more present tense and past tense verbs.

Conclusions

The findings of this study can help improve peer-exchanged support in online communities so that YA cancer survivors can more effectively receive digital support. This research also provides communication researchers, health educators, and care providers a lens for understanding the YA cancer survivorship experience.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

This research helps survivors be strategic in how they use online forums to seek advice and support. More complete understanding of what kinds of prompts produce responses allows those in need to craft messages in ways that are most likely to elicit support from fellow cancer survivors. These implications for message design extend beyond blogging and can be applicable for text message and email exchanges between cancer patients and their care providers.

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Title: Hanging by a thread: exploring the features of nonresponse in an online young adult cancer survivorship support community
Authors: Brittani Crook
Elizabeth M. Glowacki
Brad Love
Barbara L. Jones
Catherine Fiona Macpherson
Rebecca H. Johnson
Publication date: 01-02-2016
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 1/2016
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-015-0465-8

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Implications for Cancer Survivors

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