Peer Counseling Behaviors

Abstract

Peers have been supporting one another in a range of internet support groups since the 1980s. A unique feature is the shared social identity among peers, which creates a feeling of solidarity. Three types of online setting can be identified: self-help support groups with similar peers and symmetrical communicative roles; moderated support groups with similar peers and asymmetrical roles; and support groups, which do not share similar experiences, and have asymmetrical roles. Content analyses of these different types of online support have shown that peers offer one another emotional support, esteem support, informational support, and network support. Future studies are needed to generate a greater understanding of the dynamics of peer support and the differences in peer counseling behaviors between the various members of Internet support groups.