Health Commun
December 2024
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is characterized as an extreme form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in which a combination of severe mood, somatic, and cognitive symptoms present one to two weeks prior to the onset of menstruation. As people increasingly turn to social media, specifically TikTok, to gain information about health-related topics and information, discourse about this taboo chronic condition has increased. Sensitized by concepts from the theory of communicative disenfranchisement (TCD), our two-pronged methodological approach includes a content analysis of TikTok videos ( 97) that discuss PMDD symptomology, treatment, and a thematic analysis of disenfranchising talk associated with PMDD.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCycle syncing is a menstrual health trend on TikTok that involves aligning exercise and diet with the four menstrual cycle phases. Cycle syncing is part of the conversation on social media about women's reproductive health. However, clinical research on the effects of cycle syncing is inconclusive, and there is the potential that this trend could further perpetuate misinformation and gender stereotypes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFYoung women increasingly get sexual health information from social media influencers, who use persuasive communication and can alter attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. Contraception is a commonly discussed health topic among influencers on social media. Previous research suggests that influencers negatively frame and encourage the discontinuation of hormonal contraception.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe use of hormonal contraceptives is decreasing in the United States alongside a growing interest in nonhormonal contraceptive options. Social media messaging may be contributing to this trend. TikTok thus offers a novel opportunity to understand how people share information about risks and alternatives for pregnancy prevention.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFood diaries on social media, known as "what I eat in a day" (WIEIAD) content, are increasingly popular across a variety of platforms, and can potentially affect audiences' attitudes and behaviors regarding diet. WIEIAD content is frequently posted by social media influencers (SMI), who have powerful and persuasive effects on their audiences. Using expectancy-value and social norms as theoretical frameworks, this study examines characteristics of SMIs and the way they talk about diet.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFYouth get their sexual health information from social media, often from social media influencers (SMIs) or microcelebrities with large followings. Previous research suggests that SMIs have powerful persuasive effects on attitudes and behaviors. Thus, it is important to examine the ways in which sexual health information, such as birth control, is conveyed by SMIs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFParents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience greater stress and caregiver burden than parents of children with other disabilities. To cope with the stress of long-term caregiving, they rely on professionals for support and guidance. However, parents continue to report unmet communication and support needs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHealth Commun
January 2023
This short narrative details a defining moment during my mental healthcare experience and borderline personality (BPD) diagnosis. Through the lens of liminality, I detail my experience of both resisting and valuing mental healthcare including my diagnoses, treatment processes, and patient-provider relationships. Consequently, this narrative underscores my experience living as both clinically abnormal and hesitation to live as normal.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF