Communication Studies

Zizka, Laine; Hinderaker, Amorette

doi: 10.1080/10510974.2023.2204240pmid: N/A

This study seeks to expand the use of quantum storytelling lens in qualitative research. Guided by this approach, we analyzed interviews with 32 individuals connected with the events of 9/11 in Newfoundland in three groups examining long-term narrative construction of resilience after a disrupting event and the idea that communication and construction of a resilience narrative can function as a larger community identity. This analysis revealed that participants not only use these narratives to shape their current lives but to narrate themselves and the community as resilient and generous. The findings also suggested theoretical implications that suggest we can broaden the definitions of both community and resilience and that these two are narratively constructed.

Kuiper, Kimberly

doi: 10.1080/10510974.2023.2201463pmid: N/A

Extending the focus and scope of the communication theory of identity (CTI), this paper introduces a new theoretical construct within CTI’s interpenetration of frames – identity bridging. Theoretical extensions of CTI have established identity gaps, which are inconsistencies between individuals’ personal, enacted, relational, communal, and material identities. Identity bridges represent individuals’ responses to identity gaps. Identity bridging consists of psychological, behavioral, and communicative responses to identity gaps. This paper aims to define identity bridging, outline how past literature advocates the validity of the new construct, examine how identity bridging can be integrated into CTI, explore the relationship between identity gaps and identity bridging, propose extensions to CTI’s current assumptions, and discuss implications and future research directions.

Saxena, Keya

doi: 10.1080/10510974.2023.2210631pmid: N/A

India witnessed massive rallies and protest marches in response to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), a controversial 2019–2020 legislation that grants citizenship to all migrants except Muslims coming illegally from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. As people turned to creative means of voicing their opinions, placards became important tools of questioning the government and the bill. Based on framing and the vernacular rhetoric of social movements, this study examined how placards used in anti-CAA movement in India expressed their disapproval of the discriminatory law. In an era of digital activism, this study attempts to emphasize the relevance of traditional media, especially the media of the protest emanating from the anti-CAA movement.

Jin, Xianlin; Spence, Patric R.

doi: 10.1080/10510974.2023.2202872pmid: N/A

This study maps the online information flow of crisis communication during Hurricane Ida and identifies the top 20 Twitter influencers based on their betweenness centrality. Inspired by media dependency theory, this study explores major crisis information resources by analyzing the top 10 domains in the information network of Hurricane Ida. The findings suggest that news media remain the major information resource of social media users. Social media and news media tend to exchange crisis information. By analyzing the content of the top 10 URLs, the authors discover that most crisis contents focus on the New York City flood, death tolls of Hurricane Ida, evacuation failures, political critiques, and rescue efforts. Theoretical insights into mapping online crisis information flow, exploring media dependency during a crisis, and unpacking crisis communication patterns are offered. Practical implications for organizations to monitor crisis information flow, increase online influence, and promptly address concerns are discussed.

Li, Yachao; Samp, Jennifer A.

doi: 10.1080/10510974.2023.2209605pmid: N/A

LGBTQ+ individuals have been victims of gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation and emotional abuse that causes minority people to question their sense of self, doubt the validity of their identities, and internalize heteronormativity. This study explores personal and relational correlates of LGBTQ+ people’s gaslighting experiences, examines demographic and relational characteristics of gaslighters, and identifies common gaslighting techniques. Results (N = 365 U.S. LGBTQ+ adults) showed that LGBTQ+ people’s demographic factors were generally not related to their gaslighting experiences. Participants having an affirmative LGBTQ+ identity and experiencing higher relational power reported less gaslighting. Yet, gaslighting experiences were correlated with adverse mental and physical health consequences and lower relational satisfaction. Fathers were identified as the most typical gaslighters, followed by mothers and male friends, and lastly female friends. Respondents identified various overt gaslighting tactics, including devaluing and questioning the significance and validity of LGBTQ+ identities, purposefully forgetting what has occurred, and controlling conversations. Few participants mentioned more subtle forms of gaslighting. Thus, gaslighting is a serious challenge for LGBTQ+ people. More efforts should be devoted to helping people better prevent, recognize, and cope with gaslighting behaviors across relational contexts.

Aloia, Lindsey S.

doi: 10.1080/10510974.2023.2210626pmid: N/A

Dispositional forgiveness is defined as the ability to reframe a perceived transgression from negative to neutral or positive, such that the outcome of the transgression is no longer perceived as adverse. The utility of dispositional forgiveness for individuals and relationships is clear; however, the specific factors that encourage favorable outcomes associated with dispositional forgiveness remain unclear. In two studies I assessed individuals’ self, other, and situational forgiveness; faith in, dependability on, and predictability with same-sex best friends; cognitive and emotional well-being; sent affectionate communication and verbal aggression to same-sex best friends; and relationship satisfaction with same-sex best friends. Results indicated that faith in and dependability on same-sex best friends mediated the association between other forgiveness and cognitive and emotional well-being. In addition, affectionate communication mediated the association between other forgiveness and relationship satisfaction.