Date of Award
1-27-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Communication Studies, MA
First Advisor
Myleea Hill
Committee Members
Holly Hall; Marceline Thompson-Hayes
Call Number
LD251 .A566t 2016 B34
Abstract
This textual and visual analysis of the account Coping_with_PTSD found Instagram to be an information-rich platform for supportive communication. Individuals affected by Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were able to provide and seek supportive communication through text, photos and emojis. Key themes identified for the account and its followers providing supportive communication were posting health information, normalizing PTSD, sharing personal narratives and providing encouragement. Additionally, account followers used tagging and direct messaging as supportive communication. Further, account users sought supportive communication through asking and disclosing personal narratives. Three themes were found for emojis: reinforcement, emotional insight and “emoji speak” as supportive communication. The examination of emojis extended qualitative textual analysis methodologies to an analysis of emojis. The study resulted in the development of a framework for studying the relationship between text, visuals and emojis. The methodology and framework presented in this paper should be developed and utilized as emojis continue to grow and replace text communication in social media.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Bahn, Catherine Elizabeth, "Coping_with_PTSD: A Textual and Visual Thematic Analysis of Instagram as Supportive Communication" (2017). Student Theses and Dissertations. 605.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/605
