This study examined the effect of anonymous computer-mediated communication (CMC) on state anxiety, specifically focusing on whether the valence of the interaction affected state anxiety before completing an anxiety-inducing task. Sixty-two female participants aged 18-25 were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: positive CMC, negative CMC, and blog. Self-report measures of state anxiety were taken at baseline; after participants had been given instructions about the anxiety-inducing task; after 10 minutes of CMC/blog writing; and after the anxiety-inducing task had been completed. Results showed that participants in the positive CMC condition showed a significant and moderate decrease in anxiety following the CMC, whereas those in the negative CMC condition showed a nonsignificant but moderate increase in anxiety following the CMC. Anxiety remained relatively unaffected by the blog condition. After completing the anxiety-inducing task, there were no differences in anxiety scores between groups. The findings show that CMC can be beneficial for relieving state anxiety, but the valence of the communication is crucial. This has implications for advice and training given to those participating in and supporting CMC where mental health issues might be discussed.
Keywords: anxiety; computer-mediated communication; mental health; online; support.