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.
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, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/115
Comments
Funding provided by the J. William and Dorthy A. Asher fund