Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 417 426

Mothers
experiences of peer support via an Internet
discussion forum after the death of a child
The aim of this study was to describe mothers experiences
of peer support via an Internet discussion group for
mothers who have a child died. A longitudinal qualitative
study design was used. The research data were collected
from four (n = 4) bereaved mothers from a private Internet
support group titled angel baby during the period 2001
2006. The data included 631 messages. Content analysis
was used to examine the data. Peer support on an Internet discussion forum incl
uded giving and receiving emotional,
cognitive and community support among bereaved mothers. The Internet discussion forum was a viable alternative
to peer support after the death of a child. A strong sense of
communality and lasting friendships was formed between
the bereaved mothers who had similar experiences.
Keywords: peer support, Internet, death of a child,
mothers grief, qualitative study.
Submitted 4 October 2010, Accepted 1 September 2011 Introduction The death of a
child has been described as one of the most
stressful of all possible losses that mothers can experience
(1). Grief affects maternal health and well-being (2, 3) but
also the spousal relationship and the family s external social
relationships (4). Coping is enhanced by social support,
needed and sought by mothers who have lost a child (5 7).
Spouse support has been recognized as the most important
type of support. Social support given by close family members, friends and health care personnel has been perceived
as signi?cant (8) but also as short-term and negative (9 11).
Peer support has been perceived as positive and longterm support after the death of a child (12 14). It includes
the exchange of mutual support (15) and sharing of
experiences with fellow sufferers. (13 18). Listening to the
experiences of others helps mourners see their personal
situation in a new light and to receive comfort and gain
con?dence in their own ability to cope (5, 13, 19).
The opportunity to vent and share one s feelings, often perceived
as oppressing, also mitigates the stressful circumstances of mourners (13, 20 23). People who have
gone through a similar experience provide practical advice
and coping strategies to face grief (5, 14, 15, 21 23). Peer
support is marked by a strong sense of communality and a