The goal of the assignment is for you to study the communication taking place in an online support group, but also, you yourself seeking out and providing support related to your own physical and mental health (called “participant observation” in research terms) related to a disease or health condition that you are some you know (e.g., a family member) deal with. Through the Internet, there is a plethora of social support groups available. This assignment is designed 1) to introduce you to online social support which may be a useful tool in your own life going forward (or someone you know if you told tell them about it), and 2) to intellectually analyze the communication taking place there by applying concepts and theories from this course to gain a deeper understanding of coping and social support processes.
Length: 7- 8 pages, typed, double-space the whole document.
Grading Criteria: Your paper will be graded on the content, coherence,
level of analysis using course material, and attention to grammar, spell check, and use of APA style.
Part I: Social Support Group Participation
1.) Search online (via Google, Bing, etc.) using keywords (for example “{the Disease} Online Support Groups”) for an online social support group that is related to the disease/illness/health condition that you researched in Paper 1. There are lots of groups out there, so don’t settle for the first one you find. You can also look on health-related Association websites for groups. You could also join 2 groups and compare them, but that is not required for the assignment. Below is a link to two articles with group descriptions (with links) which may get you started in your search:
Where to start: 10 Online Support Groups for AnyoneLinks to an external site.
The 7 Best Online Anxiety Support GroupsLinks to an external site.
2.) You should participate a minimum of 10 times over the Semester. You can read people’s posts, see what topics are being discussed, observe back-and forth message exchanges between people (i.e., online discussions), and participate yourself by posting and taking part in online discussions.
3.) To ensure anonymity, no names or personal identifying information should be included in the paper. Replace all names with pseudonyms (i.e., fake names) in the paper. You only need to identify the name of the online support group.
4.) Keep A Log!! Take down notes each time you attend the group. You will paste-in your
Log at the end of your Paper 2 as evidence of your time spent in the online support group.
Record things like:
(a) the date and time;
(b) topics discussed;
(c) what you did during the visit;
(d) screenshots of some important interactions
(d) your observations about the types and quality of support being exchanged.
What is the communication like taking place between participants?
**5.) You need your log (notes) to be able to go back and analyze the communication to
write the paper at the end of the Semester. Paste-in your log at the end of the Final
Paper Document (can be typed notes or pics of handwritten notes, screenshots, etc.).
Part II: Analysis & Writing the Paper
Write a typed analysis of your experiences and observations in the online support group.
You should include two levels of writing:
1) Description of what you observed (topics discussed, important exchanges, helpful support, unhelpful advice or support attempts, etc.)
2) Analysis applying course concepts and theories to better understand the communication taking place. This paper is a type of “final exam” in the course, so make sure you define and explain the concepts or theories before you apply them to the communication in the online support group.
You need to provide both levels of writing!
**IMPORTANT: The purpose of this paper is for you to apply at least
3 to 5 concepts, theories, or research from the course content to analyze your participation and observations in the online social support group. Not doing so will result in a lower grade. Only 3 would have to be really good 😊
Paper Format: Include these section headings in your paper. Double-space the whole paper only (no extra spacing between sections). Page ranges are suggestions.
Introduction
A brief introduction. What did you write Paper 1 on? What health disease/illness/health condition do you deal with? Why is it important to you? (1 paragraph)
Online Social Support Group
Provide a description of the purpose and goals of the online social support group that you joined. This is a description (not analysis) of why the group exists. What does the group hope to accomplish? Why are people coming to the online group? You can use some description from the group’s main page, but don’t copy and paste quotes. Paraphrase and explain in your own words! (1 paragraph)
Communication Analysis (MOST IMPORTANT SECTION)
Using theories, concepts, and research findings from the course, identify and analyze specific types, functions, and purposes of the communication exchanged in this online social support group. Identify and described important exchanges which are examples of concepts and theories we have covered in the course. Make sure you define and explain the concept or theory [and cite the chapter, reading, or lecture using APA style, for example, du Pre (2017) for the book or Haas (2020a), b, c, etc. for the lectures], then explain why the messages and exchanges you’ve identified are examples of the concept/theory. In other words, use the course material to analyze the communication that you participated in and observed. (4-5 pages) (See the Example at the bottom or in the Week 15 Canvas Module)
Communication Effectiveness
Step-back and evaluate the communication. Assess the quality of the communication taking place in the online social support group. Ask yourself: How well does the online group provide social support to its’ members? What are the most effective and least effective types of communication exchanged in this online support group? What are the biggest communication challenges the group faces? What are some differences in the ways group members approach social support provision? Are some approaches more effective than others? Are there communication obstacles/or problems with communication in this group? How well does the online platform function for providing social support? Would a face-to-face social support group be better, worse? Why? Explain how the quality of the communication accomplishes the stated purposes and goals of the online support group. How well did the group meet your social support needs? (1-2 pages)
Health Communication Recommendations
What did you learn by participating in an online social support group over the Semester? What are two recommendations to others who are coping with this or other health-related issues in utilizing online support groups? (1 page)
Conclusion
Take one more step back. What did you learn from taking this course? What do you know now about communication and health that you would not have known before taking the course? What might be useful in your future –personally, academically, or professionally (1 paragraph)
References
(APA Style, see the example below).
Log
Paste-in your field notes after the references (typed or handwritten, screenshots).
You will present (4 minutes) on your experiences and analysis of the online support group via Zoom on the last day of class. Create ONE PowerPoint Slide to share via Zoom. Guidelines are below.
PAPER 2 EXAMPLE REFERENCE PAGE
References
Du Pre’, A., & Overton, B. C. (2020). Communicating about Health: Current Issues and
Perspectives (6th Edition). Mountain View, CA: Mayfield.
Frey, L. R., Adelman, M. B., & Query, J. L. (1996). Communication practices in the social
construction of health in an AIDS residence. Journal of Health Psychology, 1(3),
383-397.
Haas, S. M. (2023a). US Healthcare System. Class Lecture,
University of Cincinnati, month/day.
Haas, S. M. (2023b). The Social Construction of Health. Class Lecture,
University of Cincinnati, month/day.
Haas, S. M. (2023c). Uncertainty Management Theory. Class Lecture,
University of Cincinnati, month/day.
Haas, S. M. (2023d). Uncertainty, Coping, & Social Support. Class Lecture,
University of Cincinnati, month/day.
Haas, S. M. (2023e). Culture, Identity, & Social Stigma. Class Lecture,
University of Cincinnati, month/day.
Haas, S. M., Irr, M. E., Jennings, N., & Wagner, L. (2011). Communicating thin: A grounded
model of Online Negative Enabling Support Groups (ONESGs) in the pro-anorexia
movement. New Media & Society, 13, 40-57. doi: 10.1177/1461444810363910.
Hennen, J., & Baldessarini, R. J. (2005). Suicidal risk during treatment with Clozapine: A meta-
analysis. Schizophrenia Research, 73, 139-145.
SmartRecovery (2021). Available at: https://www.smartrecovery.org/. SmartRecovery.org is “is
a global community of mutual-support groups. At meetings, participants help one another
resolve problems with any addiction (to drugs or alcohol or to activities such as gambling
or over-eating).”
NOTE: The class lecture (Haas, 2023a, 2023b, 2023c, etc.) order is determined by YOU based on which concept/or theory you decide to apply first, second, third, and so on, in your paper. Everyone’s order will be different for the lectures.
Tips for Your College Success
Provide 3 Levels of Analysis/Explanation in Papers & Essay Exams
1) Definition: Define the concept/or theory you are applying
2) Explanation: Explain this definition in your own words to
show you understand the concept
3) Application: Apply the concept/theory to a real-world situation or an example of it in practice.
Three Steps: Define, 2) Explain, 3) Apply!
Repeat the 3 steps over and over; for each concept/theory/idea you are explaining = a good grade. Hint: If you cite an APA source for the definition, the grade is even higher.
Try this for all of your classes and see what happens!!
I sent you a copy as an example he had. I hope you join an online social group.