ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the association between the type of participation in health-related Online Support Groups (OSGs) and psychological well-being. It examines the OSGs for people with depression and explores members' participation patterns, interests, and benefits gained from participation. The chapter demonstrates how being actively involved in communication can improve the health and well-being of individuals, and provides both theoretical and practical implications regarding Internet-based communicative practices in health contexts. The study examined posters and lurkers in online peer-to-peer support groups targeting people with depression. These groups may be regarded as representative of health-related OSGs because people with stigmatized illnesses use the Internet for information and social support significantly more than those with non-stigmatized conditions, and because among those with stigmatized conditions, people with depression use the Internet the most. The chapter suggests that professionals should encourage patients to use OSGs, and that group moderators should use de-lurking strategies to enhance the lurkers' experience.
