Examining the Filipino Stroke Survivor's Agency in the Digital Community Using Positioning Theory

Examining the Filipino Stroke Survivor's Agency in the Digital Community Using Positioning Theory

by Darius N Salaum, PhD in Psychology Candidate

ABSTRACT

The study investigates agency in Filipino stroke survivors who are digital community members using Positioning Theory as framework and employing qualitative methodology. The data are harvested posts from 10 most active stroke survivors in a digital community platform covering a period of at least six months, sorted according to the specified inclusion criteria and compliant with ethical standards. Analysis of the discursive material reveals that stroke survivors position themselves reflexively in both more agentic and less agentic ways. More agentic positioning includes socially appealing identities (i.e warrior), inclusive rights (i.e right to affiliate),  older duties (i.e duty to inspire others) and validating social forces (i.e regarded as winner) which together describes the stroke survivors as able find their niche within the gamut of social systems. On the other hand, the less agentic positioning includes socially regressive or defeated identities (i.e., useless and dying), self focused rights (i.e right to be supported), narrow duties (i.e duty to care for self) and undermining social forces (i.e regarded as burden) which together describes as failing to transcend illness limitations and demanding reliance on others. Discussions, conclusions and implications related to positioning theory, qualitative methodology and practical implications are all explored, highlighted and explained in the paper.

3:00pm, Monday, April 29, 2024

Adviser:

Ma. Elizabeth J Macapagal, PhD

Panelists:

Nico A Canoy, PhD

Erwine S Dela Paz, PhD

Mira Alexis P Ofreneo, PhD

Christoper F Sasot, PhD

Keywords/Key Phrases: Agency, positioning theory, qualitative research, stroke, survivor, digital community