Weak Tie Support Preference and Preferred Coping Styles as Predictors of Perceived Credibility Within Health-Related Computer-Mediated Support Groups

Abstract

Drawing upon an optimal matching model framework, this study examined weak tie support preference and coping style as predictors of credibility perceptions among members of health-related computer-mediated support groups. One hundred and thirty-five participants from various health-related online support groups responded to a survey questionnaire. The results indicated that increases in weak tie support network preference and problem-focused coping scores predicted increases in perceptions of credibility of online support group members. However, emotion-focused coping was not a significant predictor of perceived credibility. The implications of these findings for weak tie support network, coping, and credibility theories are discussed along with limitations of the study and directions for future research.