In addition, when we do face a stressful situation, it appears that a variety of social support, including emotional support and humor, can be given and received on-line. These supportive relationships may be helpful in terms of reducing perceived life stress among senior Internet users. However, more research needs to be conducted in order to establish the validity of this relationship. While satisfaction with the support offered on-line may not be predictive of the types of coping strategies that seniors use to overcome daily stress, it appears that SeniorNet users are using positive types of coping strategies, and they may be successfully adapting to stressful situations. Again, more research needs to be conducted with these variables.
More research needs to look at some of the negative aspects of giving and receiving support on-line.
If you are a current member of an on-line support group, you can participate in a new study that is currently being conducted by Kevin Wright, Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma.