Elaborating the Communication Theory of Identity: Identity Gaps and Communication Outcomes

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2004

Department

Communication Studies

School

Communication

Abstract

The Communication Theory of Identity identifies four frames of identity and their interpenetration. This article articulates identity gaps as a way to study interpenetration and selected two of the gaps, between personal and relational frames and between personal and enacted identities, for the study. A survey was administered and, as hypothesized, significant negative correlations were observed between the identity gaps and three communication outcomes. Possible causal directions were suggested by post hoc analyses. The results support the theory and suggest the utility of identity gaps as a means for understanding the role of identity in social relationships.

Publication Title

Communication Quarterly

Volume

52

Issue

3

First Page

265

Last Page

283

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