The Development and Evolution of an Online Support Group for Thesis Students
Date of Award
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Callahan, Charlene
Keywords
Support Groups, Online Support Groups, Thesis Students
Area of Concentration
Psychology
Abstract
The present study was designed to test the effectiveness of an online support group in reducing stress for thesis students at a small liberal arts college. Thirteen students in the experimental group completed a series of questionnaires (including the Perceived Stress Scale) before and after participating in an online forum group for one month. The group discussed thesis-related issues. Twelve students in the control group also completed a series of questionnaires (including the Perceived Stress Scale) before and after the month long period, but did not participate in a formal support system. It was found that the online condition reduced stress at a level that approached statistical significance.The implications of this finding, as well as reasons why the group may have been successful and suggestions for future researchers, were discussed.
Recommended Citation
Crutchley, Amanda Fay, "The Development and Evolution of an Online Support Group for Thesis Students" (2004). Theses & ETDs. 3369.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3369
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.