Identifying sequences of advice-giving in online military discussion forums

Kelly G. McAninch, Erin C. Wehrman, Bryan Abendschein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Advice can be beneficial yet risky, particularly when offering suggestions in sensitive and unique situations. Applying the integrated model of advice-giving as a guiding framework, we examined 916 supportive messages exchanged on 12 web-based military discussion forums to investigate the link between the characteristics of support-seeking requests and the types of support provided. Only 1% of replies displayed the theoretically preferable sequence of emotional support, analysis of the problem, then advice. Individuals who used sad language were less likely to receive advice only and more likely to receive emotional support upfront. Users who sought advice often encountered responses that contained only advice. Responses to individuals who discussed their troubles or requested only emotional support followed a slightly different pattern. We discuss implications for advice-givers/receivers and users of military online forums.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)557-575
Number of pages19
JournalCommunication Quarterly
Volume66
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 20 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 Eastern Communication Association.

Keywords

  • Advice
  • Computer-mediated communication
  • Emotional support
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Military families

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Identifying sequences of advice-giving in online military discussion forums'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this