Building resilience in response to identity-based discrimination through in person and online communication

ABSTRACT

This study investigates resilience processes in the context of identity-based discrimination through the lens of the communication theory of resilience (CTR). Participants enacted all CTR processes delineated in the theory utilizing both in-person and online communication when facing six identity-related triggers. Participants described how social media, virtual tools, and online communities empowered them to adapt each communicative resilience (CR) process digitally, particularly when feeling unsafe in face-to-face interactions. Utilizing thematic co-occurrence analysis, we identified relationships within triggers and CR processes, both in person (maintaining networks, productive action, and alternative logics) and online (crafting normalcy, affirming identity anchors, and maintaining networks). These findings offer valuable insights into resilience strategies across communication channels for individuals navigating identity-based disruptions. The findings also illuminate the intricate interplay of triggers, CR processes, and communication channels in response to identity-based discrimination, underscoring the need for a holistic understanding of the vital role of building resilience both in-person and online.

KEYWORDS:

• Resilience
• identity
• discrimination
• interpersonal communication
• online communication
• thematic co-occurrence analysis

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Isabel Anderson for her work coding for this study.

Notes

1 A1 is labeled U in Table 1 since maintaining communication networks in person is also a ubiquitous theme. A2 and A3 of the relationship are labeled accordingly.

2 B1 is labeled U in Table 1 since maintaining communication networks online is also a ubiquitous theme. B2 and B3 of the relationship are labeled accordingly.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was supported with research funds from the Department of Communication at the University of Washington.