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Relationships, environment, health and development: The information needs expressed online by young first‐time mothers

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  • Ian Ruthven
  • Steven Buchanan
  • Cara Jardine

Abstract

This study investigates the information needs of young first time mothers through a qualitative content analysis of 266 selected posts to a major online discussion group. Our analysis reveals three main categories of need: needs around how to create a positive environment for a child, needs around a mother's relationships and well‐being and needs around child development and health. We demonstrate the similarities of this scheme to needs uncovered in other studies and how our classification of needs is more comprehensive than those in previous studies. A critical distinction in our results is between two types of need presentation, distinguishing between situational and informational needs. Situational needs are narrative descriptions of a problematic situations whereas informational needs are need statements with a clear request. Distinguishing between these two types of needs sheds new light on how information needs develop. We conclude with a discussion on the implication of our results for young mothers and information providers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ian Ruthven & Steven Buchanan & Cara Jardine, 2018. "Relationships, environment, health and development: The information needs expressed online by young first‐time mothers," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 69(8), pages 985-995, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jinfst:v:69:y:2018:i:8:p:985-995
    DOI: 10.1002/asi.24024
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    Cited by:

    1. Ian Ruthven, 2022. "An information behavior theory of transitions," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 73(4), pages 579-593, April.
    2. Zhizhen Yao & Zhenni Ni & Bin Zhang & Jian Du, 2022. "Do Informational and Emotional Elements Differ between Online Psychological and Physiological Disease Communities in China? A Comparative Study of Depression and Diabetes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-21, February.

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