The document summarizes research on empowerment experienced by patients who participate in online support groups for arthritis, fibromyalgia, and breast cancer. It finds that participating in online support groups is associated with increased feelings of empowerment in several ways. Key empowering processes included exchanging information, finding recognition, and sharing experiences. These processes were positively correlated with empowerment outcomes like feeling better informed, more confident with doctors and treatments, and improved acceptance of their disease. Patients with breast cancer reported the highest levels of both empowering processes and outcomes.