Others struggle too, and this is not always evident to people in distress. Specialized Online Support Groups . Specialized groups can connect people who need someone with whom they can communicate honestly and openly without regard to geographic boundaries. Groups dedicated to specific topics, age groups or gender groups can be formed. Limitations Of Online Support Groups Differing Stages of Group Development .
Groups are open continuously to new membership.
In addition to new members joining an established group, other online members may log on or log off at any time during a session. Such fluctuations in membership make it difficult for online groups to engage in the typical group phases of warm-up, action and closure or to maintain the working stage of group development for extended periods. This limitation reduces the efficacy of online support groups as a sole support source for some members. Limited feedback may require changes in a member s habitual patterns of interaction and thinking in order to overcome this limitation. Crisis Management .