Testing Positive for a Concealable Identity: Rhetorical Identification as an Invitation to Cope

Author:

• Jennifer A. Malkowski (San Diego State Univ)

Abstract:

The online forum "HPV", found on the website positivesingles.com (2007), was examined in order to better understand the empowering aspects of this technology. Responses to forum threads were analyzed as to discern how people with a sexually transmitted disease communicate about their diagnoses in order to gain control over their situation. Members were found to engage in three rhetorical strategies used to cope via identification with other members: (a) victimization, (b) self-determination, and (c) responsibility.