‘A conversation around a virtual table’: A qualitative trial with a theory-informed virtual meeting platform to aid connectedness among wellbeing support groups

IntroductionVirtual meeting platforms have proliferated in terms of their contexts of use and variety of features. However, such platforms are rarely aligned with the psychological processes that are needed for online wellbeing groups.ObjectiveOur interest is in how virtual meetings can be optimised for use for wellbeing peer-support groups by aligning features to those that fit with social psychological and socio-cognitive theory. Here, we aimed to understand the interaction experiences of adult users who share a personal experience with strangers in a mutual support environment on a theory-informed virtual meeting platform.MethodWe asked groups of users to trial a theory-informed virtual meeting platform, Astral Dynamic’s Circles, that incorporates features designed to promote a wellbeing effect via (1) sharing of personal experiences through equitable turn-taking and (2) an online environment that markedly differs from those used in work/education contexts. Thirteen users (in three groups) took part in the software trial and interviews. The interviews were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. This study was conducted according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines.ResultsFour main themes were identified: (1) a new experience made possible by a new aesthetic, (2) experiences of turn-taking affect engagement in conversations, (3) visual and non-verbal features impact awareness of and connectedness with the group, and (4) wellbeing benefits from an online group result from finding commonality.DiscussionThe results are discussed in practical terms, with a focus on insights from social psychological theory in the creation of virtual meeting platforms.