The Role of Communication Storytelling Networks in Bullying: A Comparison Between U.S. and Korean Adolescents

Authors

  • Seok Kang University of Texas, San Antonio
  • Yongkuk Chung Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Dongguk University-Seoul, Korea
  • Wonjun Chung Suwon University

Keywords:

bullying, communication infrastructure, storytelling networks, social support, evaluation of support, self-efficacy, life satisfaction

Abstract

 This study examines the role of storytelling networks in adolescents’ coping with bullying in the United States and South Korea. A survey of 504 U.S. and 302 Korean adolescents found that storytelling networks were important precursors to supportive communication, which developed self-efficacy and life satisfaction. For both U.S.and Korean adolescents, interpersonal networks and media connectedness were significant predictors for social support and evaluation of support, whereas connection to community organizations did not positively predictsocial support. Adolescents are likely to discuss bullying personally and receive support from media exposure in terms of information or coping strategies. They do not consider disclosing bullying to community organizations to seek support. The results revealed similarities between the two cultures in dealing with bullying. This study suggests that the government and local social organizations provide adolescents with communication channels to increase opportunities for adolescents to receive support. 

Author Biographies

Seok Kang, University of Texas, San Antonio

Seok Kang (Ph.D., the University of Georgia) is an associate professor in new media with emphasis on the web and digital media production in the Department of Communication at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His teaching and research areas focus on mobile communication technologies, digital storytelling, e-health communication, family communication and the media and entertainment education.

Yongkuk Chung, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Dongguk University-Seoul, Korea

Yongkuk Chung, Ph.D.Associate ProfessorDepartment of Journalism and Mass CommunicationDongguk University-Seoul, Korea(8202) 2260-8917 voiceykemjy@dongguk.edu

Wonjun Chung, Suwon University

Wonjun Chung, Ph.D.Associate ProfessorDepartment of Journalism and Mass CommunicationCollege of Law and Social ScienceUniversity of SuwonCity of Hwa SungKyunggi-Do, Korea(8232) 220-8107

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Published

2014-09-01

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Articles