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Marquitta Fields, Ph.D., is a 2024 graduate of the PhD Program in Marriage and Family Therapy at Antioch University, New England
Dr. Marquitta Fields
Dissertation Committee:
- Denzel Jones, PhD, Chairperson
- M. Dawn Nelson, PhD, Committee Member
- Amber Vennum, PhD, Committee Member
Keywords
descriptive phenomenology, emerging adulthood, social media, relationship education, accessible education and care, relational health literary
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
This qualitative study explores how emerging adults engage with relationship education content on social media platforms and the implications for promoting accessible myself in the personal lived experiences of participants while removing listener preconceptions, identifying psychological structures that explain their interactions with relationship content. The findings reveal that emerging adults use a variety of social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube, to consume relationship information. Participants prioritize content that is authentic, relatable, and derived from personal experiences over generic or impersonal advice. They value content that encourages healthy communication, self-reflection, and personal growth. The study also highlights the potential influence of participants' professional backgrounds on their engagement with relationship content, with those in social work and STEM fields emphasizing evidence-based advice. Additionally, the study identifies a strong preference for free and accessible content. Participants exhibit caution and discomfort with toxic content that perpetuates harmful stereotypes and behaviors, actively seeking out content that challenges these norms. These findings highlight the importance of creating diverse, relatable, and evidence-based relationship education content across multiple social media platforms to meet the varied needs and preferences of emerging adults. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).
Recommended Citation
Fields, M. (2024). Like, Comment, Subscribe, and Share: An Investigation of Emerging Adults’ Lived Experiences of Relationship Information on Social Media. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1088
Included in
Counseling Psychology Commons, Mental and Social Health Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
Comments
ORCID: 0009-0005-1641-1765
Bio:
Marquitta Fields (she/her) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Michigan, Missouri, and Kansas, with a specialization in trauma work. Her journey into therapy began with a passion for creating meaningful change in family and relational systems, particularly in addressing the unique challenges faced by underrepresented populations. Marquitta has worked extensively with those processing childhood trauma, exploring identity, and supporting professionals navigating high-stress environments.
Throughout her career, Marquitta has worn many hats as a clinician, educator, and community coordinator in social media spaces. She is passionate about sharing research and relational therapy resources in creative and accessible ways. As a mentor and supervisor, Marquitta is dedicated to guiding new clinicians in developing equitable, socially conscious practices that foster meaningful change.
Outside of work, Marquitta finds joy in reading, gaming, discovering cozy coffee shops, and diving into new hobbies. She believes wholeheartedly in the transformative power of relationships and storytelling to spark healing and growth, both for individuals and communities.
Publications and Presentations:
Fields, M. (2022). Utilizing a genogram to identify family of origin resources for EMDR therapy. Workshop Presentation. Groves Conference on Marriage and Famiily, Nassau, Bahamas.
Fields, M. & Culver-Turner, R. (2017). Raising Daughters in African American Single-Mother Homes. PERK 2017. 36th Annual Meeting of the. Association for Psychological and Educational Research in Kansas. Benedictine College. Atchison, KS.
Fields, M., Bailey, D., & Harke, M. (2012). Application of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to College Student Cell Phone Use. 2012 NCFR Annual Conference. Phoenix, AZ.
Fields, M. & Bailey, D. (2012). Application of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to College Student Cell Phone Use. Spring Poster Research Symposium: Beyond Stress, Employment and Finances; Technology/Internet and Families. Mount Pleasant, MI.