Commerce and crossover of resources in Facebook Groups – A qualitative study. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Braasch, Martina; Buchwald, Petra; Hobfoll, Stevan
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 99(2019)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Facebook -- Coping -- Stress -- Social support -- Resources -- Empirical research; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2019.05.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a study on communal coping processes on Facebook . In interviews (N = 68), participants describe their Facebook behavioral patterns they engaged in when coping once offline and a second time during an online tour through their personal Facebook page. This exploratory study concluded that users prefer to turn to specific Facebook groups in order to cope with a particular stressor. These groups can be small, including only people from their individual network, or larger, comprising several members, which may include unknown contacts. Focusing on communal coping processes in Facebook groups, results of content analyses show four types of communal coping: (1) individual coping (through social support), (2) delegated coping, (3) commerce of resources and (4) crossover of resources. The results indicate how communal coping occurs on Facebook . Highlights: Facebook groups offer their members a high potential to enrich their resource pool. The commerce and crossover of resources approach can be applied to Facebook groups. The variety of Facebook groups can satisfy an individual's coping need efficiently. Depending on the composition of a Facebook group, coping dynamics vary significantly. Individual coping can be facilitated through social support in a Facebook group.