Theory of participative reassurance : a study into the effects of mobile communication within three communities

This thesis sought to establish the existence of participative reassurance among residents who were radio link users in three areas, here called Westville -- a high crime inner-city estate, Eastville -- a Black Minority Ethnic (BME) community located in an inner-city area and Northville -- a village community. The theoretical position, that participants are reassured through their involvement, in particular talking to and listening out for others, in supportive social networks was tested using there methods, secondary analysis of a realistic evaluation, free association narrative interviews with users and focus groups. It is suggested that some evidence was found to support the theory of participative reassurance. The study found that there is a need for further considerations to be given by social research as to the nature and effects of communication between individuals in communities..