Title: Health-related internet support groups and dental anxiety: the fearful patient's online journey

Authors: Heather Buchanan, Neil S. Coulson, Sumaira Malik

Addresses: Institute of Work, Health & Organisations, University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Road, Nottingham, NG8 1BB, UK. ' Institute of Work, Health & Organisations, University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Road, Nottingham, NG8 1BB, UK. ' Institute of Work, Health & Organisations, University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Road, Nottingham, NG8 1BB, UK

Abstract: Dental fear and anxiety is a common problem affecting many individuals but for some the problem is more severe. This study examined the discussions which took place between members of a dental anxiety/phobia internet support group. A total of 621 messages were thematically analysed and yielded seven key themes which reflected the various points in the |journey| towards overcoming their fear: a) |I can still remember…|; b) |I was ashamed to smile or laugh|; c) |This big dark secret I can|t share with anyone|; d) |I can|t stand it anymore|; e) |I cross the street rather than walk past the dental surgery|; f) |Talking to a computer is much easier|; g) |Find a dentist that you are comfortable with|. Future research should seek to explore in more depth the nature of the changes in levels of dental anxiety/phobia which might occur as a result of engagement with the group.

Keywords: dental anxiety; dental phobia; internet support groups; social support; web-based communities; online communities; virtual communities; dentists; dental fear; healthcare.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2010.035839

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2010 Vol.6 No.4, pp.362 - 375

Published online: 05 Oct 2010 *

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