The role of identification in soliciting social support in online communities. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: An, Zheng; Meng, Jingbo; Mendiola-Smith, Luana
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 104(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Support-seeking -- Narrative persuasion -- Identification -- Attribution -- Interpersonal conflict; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.106181
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Narrative sharing is a common strategy for soliciting social support in online communities. Identification is a form of audience involvement and describes how individuals respond to mediated texts. In two online surveys, this study tested the effects of identification in the context of support-seeking. In Study 1 ( N = 268), participants read a first-person support soliciting narrative that described emotional distress caused by an interpersonal conflict. Results showed that identification with the support seeker increased social support intention and behavior. In Study 2 ( N = 131), identification was manipulated by randomly assigning participants to read a narrative from the perspective of either the support seeker or the opposing character. When the narrative was told from the perspective of the opposing character, identification with the support seeker decreased significantly, and the opposing character was blamed less for causing the conflict. Implications for narrative persuasion in the context of support solicitation are discussed. Highlights: Support seeking narratives are conceptualized as persuasive acts. Support seeking narratives are contextualized in interpersonal conflict. Identification with the support seeker increased provision of social support. Identification with the perspectivizing character increased external attribution.