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Journal of Health Psychology
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Expressing Positive Emotions within Online Support Groups by Women with Breast Cancer

Jeong Yeob Han

University of Georgia, USA, jeonghan{at}uga.edu

Bret R. Shaw

University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

Robert P. Hawkins

University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

Suzanne Pingree

University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

Fiona Mctavish

University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

David H. Gustafson

University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

Based upon Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions, this study examined the role of expressing positive emotions in online support groups for women with breast cancer. Underserved women with breast cancer in rural Wisconsin and Detroit, Michigan were recruited from 2001 to 2003, and they were given access to online support groups. Both pretest and four-month posttest surveys were conducted with a sample of 231 women. Messages from 96 active participants were analyzed using a computerized text analysis program. Psychological benefits that occurred following the expression of positive emotions were greater among those who expressed more negative emotions.

Key Words: breast cancer • emotional expression • online support groups • positive emotions

Journal of Health Psychology, Vol. 13, No. 8, 1002-1007 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1359105308097963
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