A thematic analysis of an online discussion forum for people with problematic hoarding behaviours

BACKGROUND: People with hoarding behaviours (PwHB) need to be able to access a range of support options in a timely manner for their own wellbeing as well as that of friends and family. In response to recent calls to understand more about support groups and the role of peers in relation to hoarding, we investigate an online forum for PwHB. AIMS: To explore the types of messages exchanged on the popular online discussion platform Reddit and the sort of information and support that is available. METHOD: We randomly scraped 100 threads from a hoarding subreddit or subcommunity on Reddit and undertook a thematic analysis of the 1297 individual messages collected. RESULTS: The forum provides a place for exchanging emotional and practical support where posters detail their lived experience of practical strategies for reducing their 'hoard'. Progress updates provide a sense of continued connection and posters seeking advice on behalf of someone else are welcomed and supported. The forum exposes debate and frustration around the practicalities and ethics of disposing of items, highlighting additional obstacles for PwHB and the limitations of geographically dispersed support groups. CONCLUSIONS: The online forum provides both opportunities and challenges for PwHB. The type of content exchanged within the online forum helps us better understand support issues for PwHB and points to clinical implications for therapy.