Zhao, Jing, et al. "Trust, empathy, social identity, and contribution of knowledge within patient online communities." Behaviour & Information Technology 32.10 (2013): 1041-1048.

This study explores the impact of interpersonal bonds, specifically trust, social identity, and empathy, on members' willingness to contribute information and knowledge in patient online communities (POC). The findings reveal that both trust and social identity positively affect the development of empathy among members, which in turn increases their willingness to share personal knowledge and experiences. Additionally, social identity directly influences members' contributions, underscoring the significance of trust, empathy, and a sense of group cohesiveness in motivating knowledge sharing and support within POCs.