Podcasts as a Form of Social Support for Individuals with Chronic Illness

Authors

Kate Pederson, DePauw University
Melanie Finney, DePauw University

Files

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 10-6-2023

Abstract

Chronic illness frequently decreases individuals’ abilities to receive social support. 105 listeners of health-related podcasts completed online closed and open-ended surveys. Results indicate 97% of respondents experience social isolation because of their illness, and 90% report listening to podcasts help them feel less isolated. Additionally, condition-specific podcasts allow people to gain relevant information about managing health challenges, as well as feel part of a community of people who understand them. Finally, results suggest parasocial relationships with hosts of the podcasts correlate positively with informational support, which subsequently is correlated positively with perceived emotional support.

Department

Communication, DePauw University

Project Mentor

Melanie Finney, PhD

Funding and Acknowledgements

Funding provided by the J. William and Dorthy A. Asher fund

Recommended Citation

Pederson, Kate and Finney, Melanie, "Podcasts as a Form of Social Support for Individuals with Chronic Illness" (2023). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 115.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/115