Entering an Online Support Group on Eating Disorders: A Discourse Analysis - Couverture souple

Stommel, Wyke

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 904202660X ISBN 13 : 9789042026605

Editeur : Editions Rodopi B.V., 2009

Synopsis

Online support groups are considered highly valuable in addition to traditional health care services, but we know very little about how people actually join such a group. This book offers a microanalysis of an online support group on eating disorders, specifically the communication through textual messages between newcomers and regular members and members’ nicknames. The study uses an ethnomethodological and conversation analytical approach to show that members of online support groups treat the group as a community in which their illness-identity is highly relevant. It appears that members invoke community norms regarding legitimacy for newcomers: Newcomers are expected to admit that they are ill, but this is a very difficult step for those who have not yet fully adopted the “sick role” (Parsons, 1951). In the field of eating disorders, it is particularly difficult for people that tend to pro-ana, i.e. the glamorization of eating disorders. The insecurity and anxiety that newcomers display as they enter the online group could probably be relieved when a special entry subforum would be installed in which they can take time and space to actually recognize that they are ill.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Editions Rodopi B.V.
• Date d'édition: 2009
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 904202660X
• ISBN 13: 9789042026605
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 286
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible