Abstract
This study examined communication norms and levels of self-disclosure in Codependents Anonymous online group meetings. The Social Information Processing (SIP) theory, anonymity, and hyperpersonal communication were reviewed to explain how messages were communicated through the computer mediated environment (CMC). Communication norms and levels of self-disclosure were identified in 12 meetings and the subsequent 30 minutes after meetings, evaluated using content analysis, and categorized into themes. Communication norms in the meetings included structure, repeated order of topic discussion, clear roles of participants, standard acronyms and responses, and turn-taking. These norms enabled deeper levels of self-disclosure including beliefs and feelings. Communication norms including open and friendly conversation, gradual participant dissipation, and a relaxed structure and environment in the after meetings enabled lighter levels of self-disclosure including basic information and preferences. Results are discussed as they relate to potential future online self-help group studies.