JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

There is a lack of research on the effectiveness of online peer support groups for reducing social isolation and depressive symptoms among caregivers, and the past research has mixed results.

Objective:

We tested whether military caregivers who joined a new online peer support community and/or engaged with an existing online community experienced decreased perceived social isolation and improved depressive symptoms over six-months.

Methods:

We conducted a longitudinal study of military caregivers who had newly joined an online community and those who were members of other military caregiver groups. Multiple indicators of perceived social isolation along with depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and three and six months later.

Results:

Relative to the comparison group, caregivers who joined the new group experienced less perceived social isolation at three months, but this effect did not persist at six months. Those who engaged more with new or existing groups experienced less perceived social isolation over time, and this relationship was mediated by increased interactions with other military caregivers. Engagement with an online group was not associated with improvements in depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

Online communities might help reduce social isolation when members engage with the group, but more intensive treatment is needed to improve depressive symptoms.