Table 3.

Definitions of nurturant support types for content analysis measures.

Support type		Definition	Example
Esteem		Gives positive comments validating a recipient’s self-concept, alleviating feelings of guilt as a person; includes compliments, validation, and relief from blame [36]	Congratulations on your sobriety!
	Compliment	Conveys positive assessment toward someone or emphasizes the recipient’s skills and abilities	Thanks x. This is a great journal entry. Thanks for the laughs. I really needed it. My favorite one is #16.
			Good Job! I’m sooooo proud of you =0) :o) =)
	Validation	Recognizes need by expressing agreement with the recipient’s perspective on the situation	X, no need to apologize its a great post especially when it comes from your heart <3
	Relief of blame	Tries to alleviate the recipient’s feelings of guilt about the situation	Its not your fault
			Don’t blame yourself
Network		Focuses on messages to broaden support seekers’ social network so they don’t feel alone, by connecting them to others with similar situations; includes access, presence, and companions [36]
	Access	Invites new members to join conversations or offered to connect members with others having similar interests	Well, I guess I wasn’t much help, but I appreciate the input, and it’s good to know you’re not alone. Thank you x. Maybe we can help each other.
	Presence	Offers to spend time with the person, to be there in time of need	...well my dear...please stay in touch with us here...we do care what happens to u!:)
	Companions	Reminds the person of availability of companions, of others who are similar in interests or experience	Just reach out and I will be there ok?
Emotional		Gives expressions that support recipient’s feelings or reciprocates emotion; the emphasis of this category is on supporting emotional states rather than the recipient’s identity or self-concept [36,46]	You’re going through a rough time
			Hang in there hon.
	Relationship	Stresses the importance of closeness and love in relationships the recipient has with others	I have missed this forum SO much! Finally back from crazy land and look forward to seeing all those familiar names comment on the questions.
	Physical affection	Offers physical contact, including hugs, kisses, hand-holding, shoulder patting; obviously, physical affection could not be given online, but it was often offered and conveyed verbally	You deserve a big bear hug!
	Confidentiality	Promises to keep the recipient’s problem in confidence; confidentiality is typically symbolic [28]
	Sympathy	Expresses sorrow or regret	Sorry it had to happen to you.
	Listening	Provides attentive comments as the recipient speaks
	Understanding and empathy	Expresses understanding of the situation or discloses a personal situation that communicates similarity of one person’s experiences with another’s
	Encouragement	Provides messages of hope or confidence	Hang in there!
	Prayers	In spiritual words, mentions praying, spiritual healing, or God	I will keep you in my prayers.