Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
7-23-2021
Year of Publication
2021
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
College
Communication and Information
Department/School/Program
Communication
Advisor
Dr. Jennifer A. Scarduzio
Abstract
Social support is integral to helping one manage Major Depressive Disorder [MDD], but enacted social support, or the supportive behavior itself, is not always beneficial. Using a normative theoretical perspective on social support and theory related to sequencing as guiding frameworks, in this thesis I examined common sequential patterns of enacted support between support providers and individuals with MDD. Moreover, I investigated how individuals with MDD evaluated the helpfulness of each of the different sequential patterns. To examine the sequential patterns and how individuals with MDD evaluated their helpfulness, I interviewed 20 participants who had been diagnosed with MDD. The results of this thesis revealed five sequential patterns and revealed instances when participants considered each pattern to be helpful or unhelpful. The results extend literature specifically on unsolicited support by showing instances when participants considered unsolicited support to be beneficial and needed. Furthermore, one of the five patterns, forced support, is a new concept that has not been discussed in sequencing literature. Practically, this thesis provides suggestions for loved ones aiming to support someone with MDD, such as listening without offering advice or providing specific types of unsolicited support, such as unsolicited instrumental support while avoiding other types of unsolicited support, such as unsolicited informational support.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2021.264
Recommended Citation
Adams, Madison, "An Examination of Communication Sequencing in Enacted Support Interactions for People with Major Depressive Disorder" (2021). Theses and Dissertations--Communication. 105.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/comm_etds/105
