@article{ref1,
title="A smartphone-based support group for alcoholism: effects of giving and receiving emotional support on coping self-efficacy and risky drinking",
journal="Health informatics journal",
year="2019",
author="Yoo, Woohyun and Shah, Dhavan V. and Chih, Ming-Yuan and Gustafson, David H.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="1460458219888403-1460458219888403",
abstract="The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature and effects of exchanging emotional support via a smartphone-based support group for patients with alcohol dependence. Of the 349 patients who met the <i>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</i> (4th ed.) criteria for alcohol dependence, 153 patients participated in the discussion group within the Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System, a smartphone application aimed at reducing relapse. This was developed to prevent problem drinking by offering individuals in recovery for alcohol dependence automated 24/7 recovery support services and frequent assessment of their symptom status as part of their addiction care. The results showed that receiving emotional support from health care providers improved coping self-efficacy. Giving emotional support and receiving emotional support from health care providers acted as a buffer, protecting patients from the harmful effects of emotional distress on risky drinking. Clinicians and researchers should use the features of smartphone-based support groups to reach out to alcoholic patients in need and encourage them to participate in the exchange of emotional support with others.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1460-4582",
doi="10.1177/1460458219888403",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1460458219888403"
}