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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Identity Negotiations In Family Relationships: Discussing Substance Use Disorder Through The Communication Theory Of Identity, Sarah-Michele Q. Weaver
Identity Negotiations In Family Relationships: Discussing Substance Use Disorder Through The Communication Theory Of Identity, Sarah-Michele Q. Weaver
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Guided by the communication theory of identity (CTI), the current study explores identity negotiations among family members who have experience with substance use disorder. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 participants. Personalenacted, enacted-relational, and personal-relational identity gaps guide the scope and use of CTI. Findings mirrored 3 major themes in consideration of these identity gaps: (1) participants embraced or rejected SUD as a central aspect of personal identity, (2) participants experienced turbulence in relational identities due to SUD, and (3) personalrelational identity gaps and alignment surface in multiple contexts where interpersonal communication occurs.