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As nurses acquire more information about the role of technology in self-care activities, they can promote self-care in populations who may decline or lack access to more established options. Use of the Internet is one option emerging as a selfcare technology that is compatible with current social trends and lifestyles. This study was undertaken to assess the use of technology as a mode of selfcare for widows with young children who participate in an on-line support group.
Loss of a spouse is one of the most stressful life events. According to Steen (1998), fifteen million people are widowed each year. Grief is a complicated, multidimensional process, which occurs in response to loss. Support and coping are the key factors in adjusting to loss and moving through the grief process (Robinson, 1995).
Support groups can be an effective method of helping and coping for people with various needs. These groups may help individuals manage a crisis, achieve self-help improvement, obtain information, and/or feel less alone with their problems. Unfortunately, support groups may not be accessible or feasible for many people in need (Levy &. Derby, 1992). Problems with access to such groups may include inability to travel due to physical problems, lack of transportation, or prohibitive travel distance. The expense and availability of child care also may be a factor. Another notable point is there may not be specific support groups available to individuals who does not share a commonly experienced problem. Individuals with rare illnesses or less commonly experienced losses may not have resources readily available.
Traditional bereavement support groups for widows may not be suitable for widowed parents with dependent children. Most of these groups are focused on older individuals, who constitute the largest population of widowed adults (Caserta &. Lund, 1993). Such groups may be scheduled to meet at times that conflict with family routines and require the expense of child care. However, the increase in availability and popularity of personal computers has made the Internet an expanding resource for people worldwide. Computer access to the Internet allows many people to obtain information on an infinite number of topics and provides a rapid and convenient means of communication. Currently, millions of people use the Internet to meet others and find people with common...