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Supportive interchanges and face-work as 'protective talk' in an online self-harm support forum
Siobhan Sharkey1, Janet Smithson, Elaine Hewis
1Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, UK. siobhan.sharkey@pms.ac.uk
Communication & Medicine
|June 15, 2013
Summary
Young people who self-harm use specific communication strategies online to maintain supportive interactions. These findings offer a new perspective on online peer support for vulnerable youth.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Digital Communication
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding inappropriate advice online, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Understanding online behavior of young people who self-harm is crucial for effective support.
- Existing research often overlooks the nuanced communication within online self-harm support communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the online behaviors of young people who self-harm.
- To explore how professionals can engage with this demographic online.
- To analyze communication patterns within an online forum for self-harm support.
Main Methods:
- Discourse Analysis of participant interactions in a specific online forum (SharpTalk).
- Focus on posts within crisis/support rooms.
- Application of the concept of face-work to understand interactions.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of disclaimers, hedges, questions, and tags in young people's online interactions.
- Identification of mitigation devices used by young people.
- Young people orientate to a 'protective' line in supportive interactions, preserving face.
Conclusions:
- Online interactions among young people who self-harm utilize 'protective' strategies to maintain supportive exchanges.
- These communication patterns can foster an open and trusting environment for peer support.
- Findings offer a novel perspective on online peer support for youth who self-harm, addressing concerns about online advice-giving.
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