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Health communication

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Full-Text Articles in Health Communication

The Trade-Off Between The Fear Of Judgment (Stigma) And The Intention To Engage With Ai-Driven Hiv/Aids Information: Evidence From Bangladesh And Nigeria, Abdullah Mohaimen May 2026

The Trade-Off Between The Fear Of Judgment (Stigma) And The Intention To Engage With Ai-Driven Hiv/Aids Information: Evidence From Bangladesh And Nigeria, Abdullah Mohaimen

Masters Theses

This study explores the relationship between Fear of Judgment (FOJ), understood as perceived stigma, and Intention to Engage (EI) with an AI-driven chatbot providing HIV/AIDS information. Stigma often discourages individuals from seeking information or discussing sensitive health issues, creating barriers to prevention and education. AI chatbots offer a potential solution by enabling anonymous, accessible, and non-judgmental interactions. This study examines whether FOJ reduces users’ willingness to engage with such technology and whether cultural context shapes this relationship. Data were collected from young adults in Bangladesh and Nigeria (N = 56) through an anonymous online survey using a simulated chatbot, Lifeline. …


Digital Orientalism: Examining Eastern Practices In The Wellness Industry, Celia Golden May 2026

Digital Orientalism: Examining Eastern Practices In The Wellness Industry, Celia Golden

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

As popularity rises for global and domestic wellness retreats as tourist destinations, their predominantly Western audience invites an American offshoot of Orientalism that commodifies Asian names and practices into “mindfulness.” This paper examines the guest guide of the Miraval Berkshires wellness facility and its treatment of Eastern practices. Findings revealed 55.6% of the specialists at the Miraval Berkshires employ Eastern techniques, and 74.14% of those offerings are restricted to paid and private sessions to create exclusivity. The word “ancient” is disproportionately leveled against Eastern practices in the guest guide to further cement them as relics of the past. Alongside minimalist …


Addressing Medical Mistrust Among Women: Effects Of Narratives Acknowledging Mistrust On Identification, Credibility, And Persuasive Outcomes, Kylie A. Friday May 2026

Addressing Medical Mistrust Among Women: Effects Of Narratives Acknowledging Mistrust On Identification, Credibility, And Persuasive Outcomes, Kylie A. Friday

All Theses

This study examines the effectiveness of narratives addressing medical mistrust in addressing medical mistrust and promoting preventive sexual health behaviors among women. Drawing on narrative persuasion frameworks, this research investigates how tailoring to aspects of medical mistrust influences identification, transportation, credibility, emotions, and persuasive outcomes. Particular attention is given to the role of medical mistrust as a key audience characteristic that may influence how individuals engage with and interpret health messages. By considering both emotional and cognitive mechanisms of persuasion, this study advances a more nuanced understanding of how narratives may function differently across audiences with varying levels of trust …


Exploring The Use Of Strategic Influencer Leadership (Sil) In Health Communication: A Cross-Cultural, Multi-Case Study, Katharina Wolf, Catherine Archer, Syafiq B. Assegaff, Joseph Nalloor Jan 2026

Exploring The Use Of Strategic Influencer Leadership (Sil) In Health Communication: A Cross-Cultural, Multi-Case Study, Katharina Wolf, Catherine Archer, Syafiq B. Assegaff, Joseph Nalloor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose This study challenges the social media-centric view of influencers, arguing that health communication benefits from diverse strategic influencers beyond commercial figures. Trust, credibility and cultural resonance are essential for effective public health messaging, yet contemporary approaches often prioritise engagement metrics over strategic influence. Design/methodology/approach This paper employs a multi-case study approach to examine the strategic use of influencers in health communication across Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores how health professionals, royal representatives and a politician shaped public health messaging within culturally specific contexts. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating ethnographic research and thematic …


Language Barriers In Accessing Healthcare Services For Refugees In The United States, Sadaf Khuram Aug 2025

Language Barriers In Accessing Healthcare Services For Refugees In The United States, Sadaf Khuram

Communication & Theatre Arts Theses

Accessing healthcare is a pivotal aspect of refugees' integration into their host countries and significantly impacts their long-term health outcomes. The literature emphasizes the critical role of language proficiency in overcoming communication barriers within healthcare settings. This thesis, however, challenges the assumption that addressing language barriers alone is universally sufficient. It argues that the importance of language solutions is context-dependent, varying with the design of healthcare systems and the diverse needs and backgrounds of refugees. In some cases, focusing primarily on language barriers can divert resources from other critical areas, particularly when healthcare facilities have limited capacities or when services …


Black Men And Health Literacy: Strategies For Improvement In A Digital Age Through The Adaptation Of A Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Evelina Weidman Sterling, Laura Stevens, Vanessa Robinson-Dooley, Tyler Collette Jul 2025

Black Men And Health Literacy: Strategies For Improvement In A Digital Age Through The Adaptation Of A Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Evelina Weidman Sterling, Laura Stevens, Vanessa Robinson-Dooley, Tyler Collette

Faculty Articles

Health literacy is a critical determinant of health outcomes, yet it is often overlooked, particularly among marginalized groups. This paper explores the significance of health literacy, with a particular focus on low-income African American and Black (AA/B) men, a population that faces unique challenges due to intersecting factors such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and educational disparities. We examine how these factors contribute to health literacy gaps, highlighting adverse effects on health outcomes for AA/B men compared to the general population. Additionally, we stress the growing importance of digital literacy in an increasingly technology-driven world. Not actively addressing digital health …


It Is Not Clear How Well Physical Activity Promotion Materials Are Understood: Findings From A Rapid Literature Review, Jafra D. Thomas, Jasmine C. Wong, Regina F. Hockert, Yi Sheng Wu, Winston Kennedy May 2025

It Is Not Clear How Well Physical Activity Promotion Materials Are Understood: Findings From A Rapid Literature Review, Jafra D. Thomas, Jasmine C. Wong, Regina F. Hockert, Yi Sheng Wu, Winston Kennedy

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology

Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 6: Issue 1, Article 6, 2025. Efforts to promote physical activity and other health-related behaviors are more effective when resource materials are understood by a wide and diverse audience. Before our lab’s previous investigations (Thomas et al., 2024), only one study seemed to use the cloze procedure to directly test the comprehension (i.e., readability) of physical activity promotion material (Cardinal & Seidler, 1995). Thus, this rapid literature review sought to (a) determine the extent the cloze procedure has been used to study physical activity promotion material comprehension in lay adults and (b) collate …


A Mixed-Method Examination Of Social Media Influencers’ Source Characteristics In Sponsored Health Campaign Messaging: An Application Of Psychological Reactance Theory, Lauren Pick May 2025

A Mixed-Method Examination Of Social Media Influencers’ Source Characteristics In Sponsored Health Campaign Messaging: An Application Of Psychological Reactance Theory, Lauren Pick

Communication (PhD) Dissertations

Social media influencers (SMIs/influencers) are frequently used for marketing and public relations purposes (i.e., influencer marketing), but can be leveraged to avoid resistance to health campaign messages. Guided by psychological reactance theory (PRT), the purpose of this dissertation was to (a) uncover micro-influencer characteristics that mitigate reactance toward sponsored social media posts, (b) investigate whether influencers induce less reactance than non- influencers when disseminating sponsored health content, and (c) experimentally test whether influencer source characteristics mitigate reactance to sponsored health messaging. In Study One, focus groups with Gen Z Instagram users (N = 12) identified SMI use of controlling, “one …


Ocd Online: Strategies To Build Engagement For Mental Health Content On Social Media, Casey Matthews Apr 2025

Ocd Online: Strategies To Build Engagement For Mental Health Content On Social Media, Casey Matthews

Senior Theses

Social media is a tool with the potential to shape health communication. This study seeks to apply models of social media engagement from brand communication studies to explore how social media practitioners can effectively build engagement for mental health messaging. The study takes root in the concepts of social media engagement behavior (SMEB) and active vs. passive engagement outlined in the work of Dolan et al. (2019) and Shahbaznezhad et al. (2022). The application of these concepts to health communication provides new insight into the effectiveness of various messaging strategies—with a focus on OCD, a disorder that faces high levels …


Giving Voice To The Voiceless: Health Communication And Female Fieldworkers In Central Florida, Sofia Salazar Jan 2024

Giving Voice To The Voiceless: Health Communication And Female Fieldworkers In Central Florida, Sofia Salazar

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation 2023-2024

This qualitative research project examined health experiences of female agricultural workers in central Florida. Specifically, this study identified the most common physical and mental health illnesses and issues reported by female agricultural workers, their health-related decision-making processes, methods used to access health-related information, and the challenges they encounter when attempting to access health-related information, support, and services. In total, 21 interviews were conducted with women who had worked for at least one year as an agricultural worker in central Florida. The data was analyzed for emergent themes based on a codebook developed using the IDEA model as a theoretical framework. …


Crisis Negotiation Techniques In Interactional Context: Managing A Suicide Threat In An Emergency Service Call, Angela Garcia Jan 2024

Crisis Negotiation Techniques In Interactional Context: Managing A Suicide Threat In An Emergency Service Call, Angela Garcia

Natural & Applied Sciences Faculty Publications

Previous research reveals that standard crisis negotiation techniques are useful in assisting suicidal persons, but how routine interactional procedures impact their implementation has not yet been sufficiently examined. Aim: This paper investigates how routine interactional procedures impact the effectiveness of crisis negotiation techniques in an emergency services call involving a suicide announcement. Methods: A publicly released emergency service call was transcribed and analyzed using the qualitative technique of conversation analysis. Results: The call taker used crisis negotiation techniques such as maximizing autonomy, displaying active listening, and distracting the caller to keep them on the phone. These techniques were implemented successfully …


Between Wages And Wellbeing: Examining The Role Of Employers In Increasing Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake In The State Of West Virginia, Nathaniel Udoh Godwin Jan 2024

Between Wages And Wellbeing: Examining The Role Of Employers In Increasing Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake In The State Of West Virginia, Nathaniel Udoh Godwin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stretched public health systems globally, with millions of cases confirmed across all continents of the world. The United States health systems struggled as the country grappled with emerging variants of the virus, differing levels of vaccine acceptance, misinformation, and disparity in health outcomes. As COVID-19 vaccines emerged, the U.S. Government sought to bolster uptake through myriad measures, including announcing vaccine requirements for federal employees, which was met with mixed reactions. Accordingly, some employers and businesses adopted a “no jab, no job” policy, while others stopped short of mandates but encouraged and incentivized vaccine uptake …


Get The Jab Or Else: Examining The Role Of Fear Appeals In The Herman Cain Award Subreddit Using Protection Motivation Theory, Julia May Apr 2023

Get The Jab Or Else: Examining The Role Of Fear Appeals In The Herman Cain Award Subreddit Using Protection Motivation Theory, Julia May

Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects

In 2021, I conducted participant observation research on the Herman Cain Award subreddit, examining the effectiveness of fear appeals on social media. In that research, I determined that fear appeals on social media platforms are just as effective as when used on mass media platforms. The research also showed that the fear appeals in the subreddit worked to appeal to the unvaccinated users’ fear of online ridicule rather than a fear of bodily harm. I found this finding interesting and worked to expand my research, now two years later, by further investigating the platform using Protection Motivation Theory, a health …


Implementation Of Health Communication In Tb Management In Indonesia, Olih Solihin, Djuara P. Lubis, Pudji Muljono, Siti Amanah Apr 2023

Implementation Of Health Communication In Tb Management In Indonesia, Olih Solihin, Djuara P. Lubis, Pudji Muljono, Siti Amanah

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health problem in Indonesia despite various efforts to combat it. TB is the leading cause of death in Indonesia and requires more comprehensive action, including in health communication. Indonesia ranks second after India in the number of TB cases and fourth in TB deaths in Asia. Efforts to address TB in Indonesia continue, including the implementation of more comprehensive prevention and treatment programs and effective health communication campaigns. However, the implementation of health communication in TB management in Indonesia still faces challenges such as infrastructure, policy, human resources, and community participation. Evaluation of the effectiveness …


What Do People Affected By Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Want From Health Communications? Evidence From The Als Talk Project, Shelagh K. Genuis, Westerly Luth, Tania M. Bubela, Wendy S. Johnston Jan 2023

What Do People Affected By Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Want From Health Communications? Evidence From The Als Talk Project, Shelagh K. Genuis, Westerly Luth, Tania M. Bubela, Wendy S. Johnston

Office of the Provost

Introduction/aims: Health communication is central to effective, supportive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical care. Guidance for ALS communication is limited, focuses on diagnosis disclosure, and frequently relies on expert consensus and/or reviews. Patient-based evidence is needed to guide ALS health communication. We investigated how the experiences of ALS patients and family caregivers can inform effective communication practices from diagnosis to end-of-life.
Methods: Data were drawn from the ALS Talk Project, an asynchronous, online focus group study. Seven focus groups and five interviews (105 participants) were conducted. Data were qualitatively analyzed using directed content analysis and the constant-comparative approach.
Results: We …


Conspiracy Theories And Ebola: Lessons Learned Important For Future Pandemics, Shawn C. Smallman Jan 2023

Conspiracy Theories And Ebola: Lessons Learned Important For Future Pandemics, Shawn C. Smallman

International & Global Studies Faculty Publications and Presentations

The public health campaign against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo faced serious challenges, some due to conspiracy theories and denial. These beliefs were so powerful that they even caused repeated attacks upon health care providers and medical centers. These conspiracy theories were nothing new, as they are a common feature of all frightening epidemics, such as HIV and COVID-19. These narratives also circulated during the 2015 West African Ebola outbreak. Addressing conspiracy theories during an epidemic requires a coordinated campaign involving not only local leaders but also the cooperation of social media organizations


Engaging Pre-Med Students In Field-Related Dialogue: Best Practices For A Dialogic Approach To A Health-Specific Oral Communication Course, Natalie Grecu Oct 2022

Engaging Pre-Med Students In Field-Related Dialogue: Best Practices For A Dialogic Approach To A Health-Specific Oral Communication Course, Natalie Grecu

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Using a dialogic framework as the backdrop to course curriculum, I developed an Oral Communication course for pre-med students with the goal to enhance students’ public speaking skills while also incorporating health communication and applied communication research and activities to create opportunities for engagement. I propose best practices for teaching pre-med oral communication by deconstructing “bedside manner,” emphasizing a dialogic, audience-centered approach to communication, illustrating the praxis of genuine communication, creating a supportive climate through nonverbal and small group communication tenets, and creating a space to practice genuine communication. Using this approach, the layperson understanding of “bedside manner” becomes an …


Development And Pretesting Of Prescription Opioid Misuse Prevention Messages: Results And Implications For Practice, Holli H. Seitz, Mary Nelson Robertson, Je'kylynn Steen, Sarah G. Dulaney, David R. Buys Sep 2022

Development And Pretesting Of Prescription Opioid Misuse Prevention Messages: Results And Implications For Practice, Holli H. Seitz, Mary Nelson Robertson, Je'kylynn Steen, Sarah G. Dulaney, David R. Buys

Publications

Well-designed health communication campaigns can contribute to the uptake of preventive behaviors, but there has been a lack of attention on using communication research to develop opioid misuse prevention messages. We report the results of two studies designed to inform the development of prescription opioid misuse prevention messages for adults ages 30–59. In Study 1, 16 adults across 4 counties participated in semi-structured interviews to provide input on message concepts addressing six key prescription opioid misuse prevention behaviors. In Study 2, 1,335 adults completed an online, survey-based between-subjects experiment in which participants were randomized to a no message control condition …


Scratching The Surface: An Autoethnography To Begin To Understand And Address Illness Experience In Lice Infestation, Jennifer B. Gray Aug 2022

Scratching The Surface: An Autoethnography To Begin To Understand And Address Illness Experience In Lice Infestation, Jennifer B. Gray

The Qualitative Report

Though pediculosis, more commonly known as lice, is extremely common and has nothing to do with hygiene, misconceptions persist. Lice, constructed as a highly contagious illness, is more of a nuisance, with most contagion resulting from head-to-head contact, and 3% resulting from environmental causes; still, the condition tends to be associated with negative behavior like uncleanliness and neglect. There is very little study of it in the U.S. save for some “no nit policy” studies and almost none on the psychological or communicative impact on those affected. Through the analysis of pediculosis in my children, I detail an autoethnography of …


How System Efficacy Affects Risk Perception: Comparison Of The United States, Iran, And China Throughout The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nazanin Bani Amerian Aug 2022

How System Efficacy Affects Risk Perception: Comparison Of The United States, Iran, And China Throughout The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nazanin Bani Amerian

Dissertations

The current study fills a gap in the risk and health communication literature that deals with perception of risk. The extended parallel process model (EPPM) and associated Risk Behavior Diagnosis Scale lack consideration for attenuated perceptions of risk when people believe that some agent (e.g., government agencies or first responders) will protect them from a hazard. This project’s intention is to establish the validity of a new concept, system efficacy, as an addition to the EPPM model. System efficacy supplements current use of self and response efficacy. In addition, this study tries to investigate how culture affect risk perception by …


The Impact Of Hpv Vaccine Narratives On Social Media: Testing Narrative Engagement Theory With A Diverse Sample Of Young Adults, Amy E. Leader, Michelle Miller-Day, Rikishi T. Rey, Preethi Selvan, Anne E. Pezalla, Michael L. Hecht Jul 2022

The Impact Of Hpv Vaccine Narratives On Social Media: Testing Narrative Engagement Theory With A Diverse Sample Of Young Adults, Amy E. Leader, Michelle Miller-Day, Rikishi T. Rey, Preethi Selvan, Anne E. Pezalla, Michael L. Hecht

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are highest in young adults, who can be vaccinated against HPV if they were not vaccinated as adolescents. Since young adults increasingly access health information on social media, we tested the impact of a social media campaign with narrative-based health information on intentions related to HPV vaccination. We also aimed to understand which ads resonated most with young adults and led to higher survey completion rates. We created social media posts featuring videos promoting HPV vaccination. We launched a sponsored ad campaign on Facebook to reach young women, ages 18–26, across the country. Participants …


Memorable Messages In Brca-Positive Disclosures, Alyssa R. Cam May 2022

Memorable Messages In Brca-Positive Disclosures, Alyssa R. Cam

Honors Thesis

Communication in healthcare involves sensitive topics and memorable messages that can impact the way an individual handles a tough situation. Genetic testing for illnesses, like the BRCA gene mutation, creates a time of uncertainty leading to difficult conversations. Communication behaviors contribute to recalling messages of importance that shape future actions. Support and compassion are significant characteristics in messages when encouraging preventative behaviors and aiding in decision-making. This study investigated common themes of memorable messages in BRCA-positive disclosures by collecting data from 123 individuals who have experienced a positive BRCA diagnosis. Memorable messages from healthcare workers, loved ones, and coworkers or …


A Global Experiment On Motivating Social Distancing During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nicole Legate, Thuy-Vy Nguyen, Andree Hartanto May 2022

A Global Experiment On Motivating Social Distancing During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Nicole Legate, Thuy-Vy Nguyen, Andree Hartanto

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

Finding communication strategies that effectively motivate social distancing continues to be a global public health priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-country, preregistered experiment (n = 25,718 from 89 countries) tested hypotheses concerning generalizable positive and negative outcomes of social distancing messages that promoted personal agency and reflective choices (i.e., an autonomy-supportive message) or were restrictive and shaming (i.e., a controlling message) compared with no message at all. Results partially supported experimental hypotheses in that the controlling message increased controlled motivation (a poorly internalized form of motivation relying on shame, guilt, and fear of social consequences) relative to no message. …


A Wellbeing@Ksu Journey: Mapw Portfolio, Meghan Cooper Apr 2022

A Wellbeing@Ksu Journey: Mapw Portfolio, Meghan Cooper

Master of Arts in Professional Writing Capstones

A process narrative and samples and complete works from my time in MAPW and as a GRA within the health and well-being departments at KSU. The portfolio showcases my journey as a communicator and professional writer and how it has impacted my current career.


Is This Going To Be The End? Understanding Problematic Integration Among Appalachian Patients In Colorectal Cancer Screening Navigation, Audrey Smith Bachman Jan 2022

Is This Going To Be The End? Understanding Problematic Integration Among Appalachian Patients In Colorectal Cancer Screening Navigation, Audrey Smith Bachman

Theses and Dissertations--Communication

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is preventable through regular screening; however, incidence and mortality rates in Appalachia are among the highest in the United States. Public health programs and interventions meant to mitigate the higher CRC burden and increase screening rates are ongoing in the U.S. and Appalachia. In continuing the efforts to reduce the burden of CRC in Appalachian communities, this dissertation uses a two-part study to investigate communication practices relative to problematic integration and health beliefs in CRC screening conversations from the perspective of both patients and patient navigators in the region. As part of efforts directed by the Rural …


Reddit As A Source Of Covid-19 Information: A Content Analysis Of R/Coronavirus During The Early Pandemic, Brent Hale, Mark Alberta, Seung Woo Chae Jan 2022

Reddit As A Source Of Covid-19 Information: A Content Analysis Of R/Coronavirus During The Early Pandemic, Brent Hale, Mark Alberta, Seung Woo Chae

Faculty Publications

Emerging research has begun examining the utility of social media platforms for information dissemination during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this developing thread, this work examines discourse within r/coronavirus, a Reddit forum (i.e., subreddit) developed to curate COVID-19 information that burgeoned during the early months of the pandemic. Through a content analysis of 226 posts and 2260 corresponding comments generated between February and May, 2020, this study investigated early-pandemic communication patterns in this platform, including what information was deemed important and how users framed causes and solutions. Overall, findings indicate that users of r/coronavirus prioritized information about COVID-19 spread, public health …


“Someone You Love” Documentary: Using Narratives In Entertainment Media To Increase Hpv Vaccination In Georgia, Gabrielle C. Darville- Sanders, Jann Macinnes, Kelsey Schwarz Jan 2022

“Someone You Love” Documentary: Using Narratives In Entertainment Media To Increase Hpv Vaccination In Georgia, Gabrielle C. Darville- Sanders, Jann Macinnes, Kelsey Schwarz

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Although HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, vaccination rates are still lagging among adolescents and young adults. Entertainment-education is a popular strategy for incorporating educational messages into entertainment media. With popular shows on television now integrating health messages into their narrative, there are more opportunities to influence knowledge, attitude and health behaviors. Objective: To (a) determine the effectiveness of the HPV narrative included in the “Someone You love” documentary on HPV risk perception, vaccine self-efficacy and behavioral intention for HPV vaccine uptake on college students and (b) assess the immediate impact of the …


Transformation Of Health Communication Literacy In The Pandemic Era, K. Y.S. Putri, Deddy Mulyana, S Bekti Istiyanto, Linda Zakiah, Rayni Delya Hafni Dec 2021

Transformation Of Health Communication Literacy In The Pandemic Era, K. Y.S. Putri, Deddy Mulyana, S Bekti Istiyanto, Linda Zakiah, Rayni Delya Hafni

Informasi

Indonesian public health communication literacy is the education center for the government and related institutions. The formulation of this research problem is how to model health communication literacy in communities in tourism areas in Indonesia. The research objective was to determine the health communication literacy model in the community in tourism areas in Indonesia. The concept used in this research is new media literacy and health communication and audience attitudes. Several previous studies support this research. The method used is quantitative by distributing questionnaires to respondents. The result of the research is that health communication literacy on social media in …


Lessons From The Pandemic: Engaging Wicked Problems With Transdisciplinary Deliberation, Miles C. Coleman, Susana C. Santos, Joy M. Cypher, Claude Krummenacher, Robert Fleming Oct 2021

Lessons From The Pandemic: Engaging Wicked Problems With Transdisciplinary Deliberation, Miles C. Coleman, Susana C. Santos, Joy M. Cypher, Claude Krummenacher, Robert Fleming

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

Some crises, such as those brought on or exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, are wicked problems—large, complex problems with no immediate answer. As such, they make rich centerpieces for learning with respect to public deliberation and issue-based dialogue. This essay reflects on an experimental, transdisciplinary health and science communication course entitled Comprehending COVID-19. The course represents a collaborative effort among 14 faculty representing 10 different academic departments to create a resource for teaching students how to deliberate the pandemic, despite its attending, oversaturated, fake-news-infused, infodemic. We offer transdisciplinary deliberation as a pedagogical framework to expand communication repertoires in ways useful …


Toward A New Community Of Care: Best Practices For Educators And Administrators During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Cody M. Clemens, Tomeka M. Robinson Oct 2021

Toward A New Community Of Care: Best Practices For Educators And Administrators During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Cody M. Clemens, Tomeka M. Robinson

Journal of Communication Pedagogy

The onset of COVID-19 left people feeling unsettled, confused, and afraid of what tomorrow may hold. As university professors specializing in health communication, we too were left with these same feelings. As health communication scholars, we focus on issues surrounding illness, risk, crisis, care, health inequities, and wellness. COVID-19 is a health crisis, yes, but it has also changed the way we operate not only in higher education but in daily life. We begin this essay with an overview of COVID-19 and its impact on students, educators, and administrators. Then, we suggest four best practices to foster a community of …