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Exploring the Effect of Social Support and Empathy on User Engagement in Online Mental Health Communities

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  • Yixin Chen

    (Department of Information Management, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Yang Xu

    (Department of Information Management, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

Abstract

It is known that social support and empathy are beneficial for mental health. As a result of the widespread development of social media, online social support and empathy could also influence user behaviors during the development of online communities. However, few studies have examined these effects from the perspective of online mental health communities. These communities appear to be a crucial source for mental health related support, but the spread of online empathy in these communities is not well-understood. This study focused on 22 mental health related subreddits, and matched and compared users (1) who received social support with those who did not receive social support, and users (2) who received more empathic social support with those who received less empathic social support. The results showed that social support and empathy are “contagious”. That is, users who received social support at their first post would be more likely to post again and provide support for others; in addition, users who received more empathic support would subsequently express a higher level of empathy to others in the future. Our findings indicate the potential chain reaction of social support and empathy in online mental health communities. Our study also provides insights into how online mental health communities might better assist people to deliver social support that can help others to deal with mental problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Yixin Chen & Yang Xu, 2021. "Exploring the Effect of Social Support and Empathy on User Engagement in Online Mental Health Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:6855-:d:582703
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chiu, Chao-Min & Huang, Hsin-Yi & Cheng, Hsiang-Lan & Sun, Pei-Chen, 2015. "Understanding online community citizenship behaviors through social support and social identity," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 35(4), pages 504-519.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chien-Lung Chan & Chi-Chang Chang, 2022. "Big Data, Decision Models, and Public Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-9, July.

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