The role of context certainty and value in the communication of social support: An analysis of breast cancer patients' support messages
Abstract
This dissertation presented an exploration of the influence of context certainty and value on perceived supportiveness in messages for women with breast cancer. Problematic integration theory (PIT) (Babrow, 1990, 1992) was examined as a framework for understanding the substance of supportive messages. In in-depth interviews breast cancer patients provided messages that they would find supportive in experiences common to that illness. These descriptions of hypothetical situations manipulated contextual dimensions of certainty and value (i.e., certain-positive, certain-negative, uncertain- positive, uncertain-negative). In the second phase of the interview the subjects classified the certainty-uncertainty related functions of their own messages. Results revealed that the majority of these messages were coded as uncertainty reducing/certainty increasing. However, approximately one third of the messages were coded as functioning to increase uncertainty/decrease certainty or maintain uncertainty/certainty. The context certainty and value influenced the functioning of these supportive messages. A second impressionistic, interpretive message analysis conducted by the author examined probability and value focused themes as suggested by PIT. PIT argues that individuals have a need to integrate probabilistic and evaluative understandings and at times that integration is problematic. Thus, support messages may feature probability focused themes, value focused themes, probability and value focused themes, or holistic message strategies. In all four contexts represented, messages featuring probability themes were uncovered. The presence of value focused themes was limited and occurred only in positively valenced contexts. Dual strategy messages appeared in all contexts. Throughout the contexts, the supportive message themes were influenced by the probability and valence represented. These results and their implications for supportive communication among breast cancer patients and problematic integration theory were discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Babrow, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Communication|Womens studies
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