Dissertation
The Virtual Village: A Qualitative Exploration of the Evolution of an Online Mothers’ Group
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00072
Abstract
Pregnancy and the transition to motherhood signal a time in women’s lives in which their support needs are increased. Opportunities for childbearing women to access tangible, face-to-face support from traditional support systems are rapidly decreasing, and social isolation is becoming more commonplace. This has occurred secondary to increased geographical mobility, women’s earlier return to employment postpartum and the demise of the extended family. Such conditions are detrimental to women’s wellbeing and lead them to seek support from online forums and communities, primarily for information and advice. While there is a plethora of literature surrounding women’s use of large public mothering forums for short periods, there is an absence of research related to women’s ongoing engagement in private online mothers’ groups.
This study aimed to explore the experiences of participation and support for a group of childbearing women who transitioned from a large public forum to a small private online mother’s group over a period of 10 years. The three phases of this study explored women’s interactions within the group, the evolution of the group and women’s experiences of membership within the group, respectively.
Details
- Title
- The Virtual Village: A Qualitative Exploration of the Evolution of an Online Mothers’ Group
- Authors
- Danielle Gleeson
- Contributors
- Alison Craswell (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00072
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nursing; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99546508902621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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