Online support groups, social identity, and the health and wellbeing of adults with Long Covid: An interview study

As many individuals with Long Covid are left without formal support, they have turned to online support groups for help. Using pre-registered interviews with 21 adults with Long Covid, this study sought to understand how online support groups affected group members’ health and wellbeing and to identify whether group members develop a social identity. The reported benefits varied by the nature and size of the online support group: participants reported that smaller groups enabled a sense of community; occupation groups provided work-specific support; and larger groups helped with symptom management. Support groups validated members’ experiences, made them feel less alone, and enhanced self-efficacy through offering support and enabling participants to learn new skills. However, negative outcomes were also reported, such as increased fear and reduced wellbeing. Shared identities developed based on mutual Long Covid experiences, shared values towards illness management and pre-existing identities. Experiences also varied throughout the course of the illness as some members took time away from the support groups due to difficult posts or personal recovery. Whilst this study recognises the necessity of medical treatment for Long Covid, we recommended that individuals with Long Covid explore different support groups to find the right group for them.