Degree Name
MA (Master of Arts)
Program
Communication and Storytelling Studies
Date of Award
5-2019
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Kelly A. Dorgan
Committee Members
Amber E. Kinser, Christine K. Anzur
Abstract
Masculine culture is known for teaching men to be strong, independent, and in control; however, the presence of chronic illness creates challenges for men when attempting to uphold a dominant masculine identity and make disclosure decisions about sharing illness information. This study explores the intersection between illness related self-disclosure and masculine culture. Utilizing qualitative methods, it examines the challenges chronically ill men face when making decisions about self-disclosure. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five men (N=5) who have one or more chronic illnesses. Transcripts were analyzed and coded using grounded theory to identify emergent themes. The analysis revealed three primary themes and several secondary and tertiary themes. The three primary themes are: 1) participant expression of masculine culture; 2) communication challenges; and 3) disclosure strategies. Participants’ accounts of their experiences with living with chronic illness are positioned within literature on chronic illnesses, self-disclosure, and masculine culture.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Daggett, Matthew, "The Ill Man: An Exploration of Chronic Illness Disclosure within Masculine Culture" (2019). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3567. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3567
Included in
Gender and Sexuality Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Health Communication Commons