Grief support groups in second life

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2014:199:118-22.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Death*
  • Female
  • Grief*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Self-Help Groups*
  • Social Support*
  • Virtual Reality*