Understanding Group Engagement in Online Peer Support Groups: Influence of Structured Elements and Organic Interactions

Online peer support groups (OPSGs) have been widely used in health and wellbeing interventions, but their effectiveness varies, influenced by the level of group engagement and the quality of interactions. This study explores the impact of structured elements, such as prompts and tasks, incorporated into OPSG design on peer support quality and group engagement. We analyse chat messages from two OPSGs aimed at reducing workplace sitting through exercise breaks. Despite identical study designs and similar participant demographics, the two OPSGs exhibited significant differences in group engagement, underscoring the importance of understanding group composition, organic interactions, and other factors influencing engagement. The findings emphasise the need for thoughtful OPSG design, including developing structured elements, to foster communication and improve the quality of interactions. Based on our findings, we discuss strategies to promote supportive exchange, focusing on the role of prompts, group cohesion, and social presence to enhance the effectiveness of OPSGs.