Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2013
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Communication Studies
School
Communication
Committee Chair
John C. Meyer
Committee Chair Department
Communication Studies
Committee Member 2
Richard L. Conville
Committee Member 2 Department
Communication Studies
Committee Member 3
Charles H. Tardy
Committee Member 3 Department
Communication Studies
Committee Member 4
Lawrence A. Hosman
Committee Member 4 Department
Communication Studies
Committee Member 5
Steven J. Venette
Committee Member 5 Department
Communication Studies
Abstract
This study reveals findings from qualitative research investigating the relational experience of friends reconnecting after a long period of disconnect. Borrowed from the lexicon of social networking terminology, this particular process is conceptualized here as a process of refriending: when two individuals whose interactive behavior and shared lived experiences that once characterized their friendship have reestablished contact and are interacting after an extended period of communication dormancy. A content analysis of 15 participant interviews about their refriending experiences resulted in a typology of 12 thematic categories related to identity, disclosure, motivation, and communication competence. Aspects of relational continuity as well as the dialectical/dialogic implications of refriending are also explored.
Copyright
2013, Paul Edgerton Stafford
Recommended Citation
Stafford, Paul Edgerton, "Interpersonal (Re)relating: Investigating the Experience of Refriending" (2013). Dissertations. 564.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/564