Social Identity Processes Within Online Support Groups for People With Long Covid: A Longitudinal Survey

Online support groups provide support to people with Long Covid in the absence of formal treatment, but their effects on health outcomes are unclear. In this longitudinal study, we examined the role of shared social identity with an online support group, external psychological resources (support and connection), internal psychological resources (meaning and control), and negative posting norms on the mental and physical health outcomes of individuals with Long Covid. Participants completed an online survey at three timepoints: June-July 2024 (n = 102), August–October 2024 (n = 95), and October–December 2024 (n = 95). Results showed that shared social identity consistently predicted external resources, but external resources did not predict health outcomes. Shared social identity did not predict internal resources, but internal resources predicted greater physical functioning, and lower depression and anxiety; but this effect was diminished when controlling for previous health outcomes. Interestingly, negative posting norms moderated the relationship in the longitudinal analyses, whereby at lower levels of negative norms external resources predicted greater internal resources. Overall, whilst online support groups may offer support and connection, there may be limitations to the benefits afforded by such groups for improving mental and physical health for people with Long Covid.