Communication Features in an Online Group for Fathers of Children with Spina Bifida: Considerations for Group Development Among Men

ABSTRACT Following a six-month online group for fathers of children with spina bifida, the verbatim text of group interaction was reviewed and coded through an open and axial coding strategy. Themes constituted dialogical features by which fathers appeared to support one another and appropriate the benefits of an online group for men. Specific observed features comprised: the use of a story genre, information-sharing as a means of group formation and sustainability, empowerment through information-sharing, affect expression following information exchange, humor as an affect-modulating device, and affirmation with an apparent aim of instilling hope. Each feature is described and implications are discussed.