Grief support groups in second life.

Abstract

Online grief support groups serve as an avenue of support for the bereaved. In the past, facilitators have criticized the ability to provide group participants with a sense of therapeutic support, given the lack of face-to-face interaction in online groups. However, with the growing technological advances, 3-D virtual worlds, such as Second Life, may increase a participant's sense of presence and improve their group experience. A web-based survey was utilized to explore facilitator attitudes towards grief support groups in Second Life.