"I don't let everyone see my struggles": Mothers' social support and privacy management. Issue 3 (18th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vik, Tennley A.; DeGroot, Jocelyn M.
• Is Part Of: Personal relationships. Volume 28:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 475
• Page End: 494
• Publication Date: 2021-03-18
• Subjects: communication privacy management -- mothers -- person‐centered messages -- qualitative research -- social support; Interpersonal relations -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1111/pere.12372
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-4126

Abstract

Abstract: This study explored the connection between communication privacy management and person‐centered messages directed toward mothers, as they make decisions to disclose or not disclose parenting challenges in the face of needing social support. One hundred thirty‐six mothers completed the online open‐ended survey. Findings revealed that, if they chose to share their challenges, mothers tended to disclose parenting challenges to others with whom they identified. Reasons for reifying rigid privacy boundaries include maintaining positive self‐presentation, buffering from judgment of others, the anticipation of low person‐centered messages, and experiences with others constructing hurtful social support messages. Participants also reflected on their experiences and identified their own social support needs.