Increasing numbers of people worldwide engage in online social networking, most notably the site of Facebook, yet little is known about the impact of online social networking as a communication and networking tool on users’ relational selves, skills and relationships. Counselling Psychology, with its emphasis on relational working with and understanding of clients, may need to develop a greater understanding of this area. This research, using a grounded theory methodology, is an exploratory study of the possible relational implications of online social networking. Semi-structured interviews (11 face to face and 3 via email) were conducted with 14 Facebook users to gather information about their experiences of the site and the impact of social networking on their relationships and relational selves. The findings, grounded in the participants’ accounts, led to theory development about the complicated relational experiences of Facebook users, which challenge their psychological state. There are indications that the loss of separation between public and private life has implications for both clients and Counselling Psychologists. Recommendations for both practice and further research conclude the thesis. Key Words: Counselling Psychology, Online Social Networking, Facebook, Relational, Internet, Technology, Paranoid-Schizoid Position, Interpersonal, Intrapsychic, Psychodynamic
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:577174 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Allison, Caitlin |
| Contributors | Tatem-Doktor, Ditty ; House, Richard |
| Publisher | University of Roehampton |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | https://pure.roehampton.ac.uk/portal/en/studentthesis/the-relational-experience-of-facebook(5f8b38e5-b5de-41b9-bc2e-8dd95ae5c374).html |
Page generated in 0.0011 seconds