Handwashing and beyond: An autoethnographic account of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and stigma management

<p>Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a stigmatized condition that affects the communicative process. Using Meisenbach’s theory of stigma management communication (SMC), this project demonstrates coping strategies for stigma related to OCD. Research is self-reported in autoethnographic form, where narratives are analyzed in Rambo’s layered account format. There are two results of note: SMC is a suitable framework for understanding OCD stigma, and SMC’s accepting strategies are more effective at managing OCD stigma when the behavior being stigmatized is readily associated with OCD. Furthermore, this thesis suggests autoethnography is an effective medium for showcasing OCD stigma, and also suggests more research on OCD stigma is needed from a communicative perspective.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication, Media and Theatre Arts

Year dc:date.available

2021

Author dc:creator

• Johnson, Nicholas J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dennis O’Grady, Ph.D.
• Nick Romerhausen, Ph.D.
• Sam Shen, Ph.D.

• Communication

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1091

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-2460