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Online group interaction and mental health: An analysis of three online discussion forums
Author(s) -
Johnsen Jan–Are K.,
Rosenvinge Jan H.,
Gammon Deede
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.743
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1467-9450
pISSN - 0036-5564
DOI - 10.1111/1467-9450.00313
Subject(s) - norwegian , constructive , psychology , online discussion , dimension (graph theory) , mental health , theme (computing) , social psychology , relation (database) , online forum , applied psychology , internet privacy , psychotherapist , world wide web , computer science , linguistics , philosophy , mathematics , process (computing) , database , pure mathematics , operating system
The present study examined interactions on three Norwegian online discussion forums, and attempted to identify differences in interactions and plausible outcomes of thematically dissimilar forums. Four categories were applied to the forums in order to distinguish potentially constructive and destructive uses. Interaction along the constructive–destructive dimension was contingent upon the themes discussed, as well as the level and nature of professional involvement. Interaction adhering to a destructive dimension was identified only in relation to the forum for eating disorders. Discovering to what extent theme and professional involvement influence interactions in discussion forums might guide further professional involvement in online group settings and the design of appropriate online environments.