Are there also negative effects of social support? A qualitative study of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Alexander PalantWolfgang HimmelPublished in: BMJ open (2019)
While social support is usually conceptualised and perceived as a positive resource in chronic disease, it sometimes turns into a negative experience and may end in social isolation and deteriorate health. This process also happens in online support groups and increases anxiety when exchanging with other people on the internet. Before motivating ill people to seek contact with others, they should know about the negative effects of social support.