Communication for social support

COMMUNICATION FOR SOCIAL SUPPORT: The Case of Filipino Student Migrants and their Trusted Unrelated Adults

Jandusay, M. R., Poyaoan, A. M.. (2017). Communication for Social Support: The Case of Filipino Student Migrants and their Trusted Unrelated Adults, Unpublished Undergraduate Thesis, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication

This study explored how student migrants at the University of the Philippines Diliman communicate social support with their trusted unrelated adults. Thirteen students from different provinces in the Philippines were interviewed on how they seek support from their identified trusted unrelated adults. Using an integrated framework of Albreicht and Adelman’s Social Support Theory, Mead’s Symbolic Interactionism, and Altman & Taylor’s Social Penetration Theory, this study laid out a process of support seeking as shared by the student migrants, which starts when the student migrants assess pertinent areas of the support. During the interaction, the informants revealed that either the students or their trusted unrelated adults initiate the conversation, and then a response is made according to the support needed. As the student migrant and the trusted unrelated adult interact, creation and exchange of meanings occur. The interaction ends when the needed support is received by the student. The relationship between the student migrants and their trusted unrelated adults is either formed or has facilitated the support seeking. Support seeking makes student migrants feel that they belong to their new environment. Turning to trusted unrelated adult for support is important in helping them cope while they are away from home.

Keywords: Social Support, Student Migrants

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