Gender Difference of Politeness Strategies in the Expression Trauma and Toxicity: The Halsey and Steven Bartlett Podcast

This study analyses gender-oriented language politeness strategies in the expression of emotional trauma and toxicity in Halsey and Steven Barlett's podcast. Using Brown and Levinson's (1987) politeness strategy theory, this study explores how participants of different genders choose and use linguistic strategies in talking about intense emotional experiences. Data were collected through episode transcripts, which were analysed qualitatively to identify the face-saving and face-threatening strategies used and the role of gender identity in these communication patterns. This research shows that gender influences the choice of politeness strategies in trauma and toxicity, reflecting power dynamics, empathy, and the construction of self-identity in public communication.