On‐line support groups: An investigation of relationships among source credibility, dimensions of relational communication, and perceptions of emotional support

This study examined perceptions of dimensions of relational communication, source credibility, and emotional support among (N = 94) on‐line support group users. The results indicated there was a positive relationship between emotional support and immediacy, similarity, receptivity and equality. Emotional support were negatively related to dominance, and formality. Finally, perceptions of source credibility were also related to perceptions of emotional support and perceptions of relational communication.

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