Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Eastern Illinois University

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type

Articles 1 - 30 of 56

Full-Text Articles in Interpersonal and Small Group Communication

Butterflies & You: Considerations Of Human Relationships With The Natural World (Paper), Madison Colby Apr 2026

Butterflies & You: Considerations Of Human Relationships With The Natural World (Paper), Madison Colby

2026 Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Activity - Documents & Media

Science communication only accounts for approximately 2% of the entire scientific output of 2017-2022 (Parejo-Cuéllar et. al, 2024). It is an under-researched and under-valued field, especially in an age that has devalued science as a whole. The delicate art of explaining complicated ideas to people who are unfamiliar with scientific jargon is vital to humans’ understanding of the world. Butterflies & You is a documentary film exploring the relationship between humans and the many different butterfly species that call Illinois home. Video-based science communication is important to research and practice because of its impact on environmental advocacy and the growing …

Go to article

Small Town Voices And Stories: Rural Older Populations And Health Narratives, Wyatt K. Zumbahlen Jan 2025

Small Town Voices And Stories: Rural Older Populations And Health Narratives, Wyatt K. Zumbahlen

Masters Theses

Stories play a vital role in our humanity; they help us understand the world around us. As we age, our experiences, along with those of the people around us, shape our perceptions of health and influence our healthcare choices. For older adults, narratives become an essential resource in making healthcare decisions. In rural communities like Coles County, Illinois, these stories are especially important for older adults who are navigating the limited care and services available in the area. This reliance on narratives impacts their willingness to seek care, highlighting the need to recognize the power of stories in empowering older …

Go to article

The Influence Of Family-School Communication On Junior High School Students’ Academic Success, Stephen Junior Amoah Jan 2025

The Influence Of Family-School Communication On Junior High School Students’ Academic Success, Stephen Junior Amoah

Masters Theses

This study examines the influence of family-school communication on students' academic success in the context of Ghana, with a particular focus on Junior High School (JHS) students. While existing research emphasizes the importance of family involvement in educational outcomes, limited studies explore how family-school communication directly affects academic success in Ghana. By using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative and qualitative data collection. The quantitative component includes an online survey distributed to JHS graduates, assessing the frequency, impact, methods, and barriers of communication between families and schools, as well as their perceived effect on academic performance. The survey includes …

Go to article

The Toolkit For Social Support And Social Anxiety: S*A*S*S*, Cynthia E. Kmety Jan 2023

The Toolkit For Social Support And Social Anxiety: S*A*S*S*, Cynthia E. Kmety

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to create a toolkit for social support and social anxiety using the Communal Coping method. There was background research conducted on social anxiety and social support, COVID impact, Communal Coping, and resilience and skill building. Before constructing the toolkit, a survey was conducted with 29 Eastern Illinois University students to measure their assessment of their social anxiety and social support. The results of this survey found that students have a need for social support and are affected by their anxiety. Once the toolkit: the workbook and the facilitator’s manual, were completed, a pilot class …

Go to article

More Than Just Sticks And Stones: Effects Of Interpersonal Interactions On Liminality And The Negotiation Of Identity, Conlon Muhr Jan 2022

More Than Just Sticks And Stones: Effects Of Interpersonal Interactions On Liminality And The Negotiation Of Identity, Conlon Muhr

Masters Theses

The following study contains the detailed findings of my lived experiences studied in an autoethnographic method with a focus on the effects of interpersonal communication on identity negotiation during liminality. This study is conducted to expand upon the large and dense web of communication studies. During the use of the autoethnographic process, I provide in-depth insight into my lived experiences during liminality. The main goal of the study is to explore how interpersonal interaction affects liminality and the formation of identity. Liminality support, rejection, complication, and acceptance are the emergent themes found by combining liminality with interpersonal communication.

Go to article

Creative Thesis Project: Handbook For Developing Trust With Gender And Sexual Minority Students In A Campus Health Care Clinic, Anne E. Pettit Jan 2020

Creative Thesis Project: Handbook For Developing Trust With Gender And Sexual Minority Students In A Campus Health Care Clinic, Anne E. Pettit

Masters Theses

Trust is an important element in patient-provider relationships in the health care field. Patient trust in the provider is linked to higher satisfaction of care, better adherence to treatment plans, overall higher success in health care visits, and better likelihood of seeking out medical care in the future. Trust can be difficult for health care providers to establish with gender and sexual minority (GSM) patients due to health care’s well known history of harassment and discrimination against the GSM community. The Handbook for Developing Trust with Gender and Sexual Minority Students in a Campus Health Care Clinic addresses health care …

Go to article

Interviewing, W. Robinson Jan 2019

Interviewing, W. Robinson

Syllabi

This course will provide the opportunity to clarify, illustrate, expand andupdate concepts, principles and research in the field of interviewing by reading, discussing andpractice/application. We will look at the importance of, types of, and purposes of interviewing.Hopefully, together, we will experience a practical course that does not simply ask students tolearn how-to performance skills; but also starts them thinking about the process and demonstratesthe relevance of interviewing for daily life (WI).

Go to article

Communication And Aging (Online Course), Elizabeth Gill Jan 2019

Communication And Aging (Online Course), Elizabeth Gill

Syllabi

A survey of the research in key areas related to aging and communication. Course introduces central theories of communication and aging and approaches to studying intergenerational communication. Communication’s influence on societal attitudes about aging and intergenerational communication, and the impact of communication on issues of independence, wellbeing, healthcare, close personal relationships, decision-making, and other communicative contexts related to aging will be examined. 

Go to article

Communication And Conflict Management (Online Course), Elizabeth Gill Jan 2019

Communication And Conflict Management (Online Course), Elizabeth Gill

Syllabi

This course examines the nature of interpersonal conflict, its causes and consequences. The focus is on application of communication theories and research that illuminate why people behave as they do in conflict. The course also focuses on how to effectively manage conflicts and improve interpersonal communication quality. 

Go to article

Communication In Families, Elizabeth Gill Jan 2019

Communication In Families, Elizabeth Gill

Syllabi

This course provides an examination of communicative structure,function, and process among family members. The family system as a whole and major subsystems(parent-child, siblings, spouses) are explored. Emphasis is on the role ofcommunication in the construction, maintenance, and change of family relationshipsthroughout the family lifecycle.

Go to article

Introduction To Communication Theories, Richard Jones Jan 2019

Introduction To Communication Theories, Richard Jones

Syllabi

How does communication work? Why does communication work thatway? Scholars in communication studies begin to answer these questions through the applicationof communication theory. This course serves as an introduction to a broad range ofcommunication theories related to interpersonal, group and public, intercultural, media, gender,and organizational communication. This core course is required for communication majorsbecause it serves as a building block for upper level communication courses that depend upon aworking knowledge of communication theories and processes. This course serves as part of youroverall training as a communication scholar/professional in regards to critical thinking, analyticthinking, critical reading, and listening skills. In this …

Go to article

Communication Theory, W. Robinson Jan 2019

Communication Theory, W. Robinson

Syllabi

A survey of communication theories in rhetorical, public, interpersonal,organizational, and mediated contexts.

Go to article

Small Group Communication, Samantha Szczur Jan 2019

Small Group Communication, Samantha Szczur

Syllabi

This course covers the definition, structure, and functions of small groups. It examines theories and processes of communication that occur in formal and informal groups in professional, civic, and other contexts. Special attention is paid to the ways in which communication in small groups relates to critical and analytical thinking in small group decision making and problem solving, diversity in small groups, roles and leadership in small groups, and oral presentations in small groups. 

Go to article

Social Interaction, Samantha Szczur Jan 2019

Social Interaction, Samantha Szczur

Syllabi

Human beings employ an array of communicative symbols to craft selves, identities, groups, and reality more generally.  This graduate seminar is dedicated to examining the myriad ways humans create and negotiate realities and identities through social interaction.  As such, we will attend to the individual, groups, cultures, larger social formations, and the inter-­relationships among these arenas.    Studies of social interaction are interdisciplinary and emerge from an array of research methodologies. Consequently, our readings reflect a diversity of perspectives on disciplinary and methodological levels. 

Go to article

(Dis)Respect In The Classroom: A Gendered Perspective Of Academia, Abriana Nichole Vesconte Jan 2019

(Dis)Respect In The Classroom: A Gendered Perspective Of Academia, Abriana Nichole Vesconte

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine gendered practices and the experiences of women instructors within academia. Women face different challenges than men in the classroom, and many times, they are challenged by their students. In order to complete this study, I conducted narrative interviews with women faculty ranging from Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs), contractual instructors, as well as tenured and untenured professors at a Midwest university. I was able to interview eight women faculty members of varying positions. After completing the interviews and analyzing the data from each instructor, three prominent themes emerged. These themes are: (1) public …

Go to article

Student-Instructor Negotiations Of Vulnerability In Higher Education, Kelli A. Halfman Jan 2018

Student-Instructor Negotiations Of Vulnerability In Higher Education, Kelli A. Halfman

Masters Theses

Brené Brown, author of Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead states, "Vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional" (p. 2). The purpose of this study is to examine student-instructor negotiations of vulnerability via acts of self-disclosure both inside and outside of the classroom. For the traditional student, college is a transitional period that prove challenging, leaving one feeling vulnerable. This study offers a unique perspective of vulnerability and expands our limited knowledge on how vulnerable self-expression manifests within …

Go to article

Communication In Organizations Curriculum - Online Degree Program, Communication Studies Jan 2017

Communication In Organizations Curriculum - Online Degree Program, Communication Studies

Curriculum Programs

This online degree completion option will help students enhance their marketability in today’s professional environment through the integration of theory and practice and the development of relational and organizational communication skills. Individuals who are proficient communicators are more valuable in contemporary organizations that are increasingly global, team-based, and feature flatter hierarchical structures.

Go to article

Interpersonal Communication Curriculum, Communication Studies Jan 2017

Interpersonal Communication Curriculum, Communication Studies

Curriculum Programs

This option is designed for students who are interested in developing knowledge, skills, and abilities that facilitate effective communication in personal, professional, and group contexts. Students can tailor the program so as to prepare themselves for work in multiple or multi-faceted communicative environments.

Go to article

Corporate Communication Curriculum, Communication Studies Jan 2017

Corporate Communication Curriculum, Communication Studies

Curriculum Programs

Communication is identified as one of the top skills required in any organization. This option provides students with the knowledge, values, perspectives, and skills necessary to understand the roles, functions, strategies, and management of positions within organizations with high communication demands.

Go to article

Support For Friends And Family Members Of Incarcerated Individuals, Brandon M. Goodman Jan 2017

Support For Friends And Family Members Of Incarcerated Individuals, Brandon M. Goodman

Masters Theses

The aim of this thesis is to investigate and identify communication practices that affect incarcerated individuals and their families, specifically focusing on emotions and family communication patterns. Statistics show that there is a need for this type of research into support for loved ones of incarcerated individuals. This thesis then identifies the uses of theory and concepts related to family communication, emotions, and identity. The thesis also provides an overview of previous research on communication and incarceration, including interdisciplinary research crossing into sociology, as well as social interaction, family studies and more. In conclusion, the thesis argues that prisonization is …

Go to article

Relationally Managing Weight Loss, Clinton L. Brown Jan 2016

Relationally Managing Weight Loss, Clinton L. Brown

Masters Theses

Previous research emphasizes the link between social support and weight loss. However, scholarship has failed to explore how family members enact support during an individual's weight loss attempt and how participation in a weight loss program impacts family communication about dietary choices. This project examines how family members enact support for individuals in a weight loss program and how as a result of participating in a weight loss program family members renegotiate relational norms and rules regarding dietary behaviors. Thirteen individuals (n= 13), eleven (11) females and two (2) males enrolled in a medically supervised weight management program journaled about …

Go to article

How The Internet Is Used By The Millennial Generation And Its Impact On Family Interaction, Kendra Myers Jan 2016

How The Internet Is Used By The Millennial Generation And Its Impact On Family Interaction, Kendra Myers

Masters Theses

The purpose of the current study was to examine how Internet technology is used by the Millennial Generation and how it impacts family interaction. A questionnaire developed by the author was posted online and the final sample consisted of 92 participants, 13 men and 79 women. The average age of the participants was 27.97 (SD = 4.46). Findings showed that that the Millennial Generation used the Internet multiple times a day and for many reasons which were sorted into six distinct themes: 1) research/information seeking, 2) work, 3) social media/communication (besides email), 4) academics, 5) email, and 6) personal/entertainment. …

Go to article

Situating The Study Of Messages About Non-Heterosexual Sexual Orientation In Everyday Ordinary Interactions: A Call For Paradigm Change, Clinton Lee Brown Jan 2013

Situating The Study Of Messages About Non-Heterosexual Sexual Orientation In Everyday Ordinary Interactions: A Call For Paradigm Change, Clinton Lee Brown

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study explores the motivations that may orient an individual to another' s sexual orientation. Extant literature has traditionally focused on the ways in which individuals "detect" or recognize another's sexual orientation, but has failed to explore the communicative strategies individuals routinely engage in and the reasons he or she may be interested in another' s sexual orientation. As such, this study fits nicely into the interpersonal and intercultural communication literatures that concern themselves with the social construction of identity, which is an ongoing interactional task to which conversationalists orient. The data for this study was collected during the fall …

Go to article

Trust In Relationships: A Study To Determine The Importance Of Trust, Cara Cosentino Jan 2012

Trust In Relationships: A Study To Determine The Importance Of Trust, Cara Cosentino

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research study was conducted to determine the importance of trust in relationships. To determine the difference in trust levels, opinions on being hurt by an intimate partner are studied next to the participants' opinions of being hurt by a close friend. Surveys were completed by 65 participants ages 18-24 on Eastern Illinois University's campus. The survey was nine questions long and had mainly multiple choice answer options. Results were surprising on participants' levels of trust. Every participant believed that trust was the key factor in making an intimate relationship work, yet an almost exact 50% of the participants had …

Go to article

Sibling Interaction: Sisters' Use Of Advice Episodes In The Construction Of Relational Identities, Melissa R. Gornick Jan 2004

Sibling Interaction: Sisters' Use Of Advice Episodes In The Construction Of Relational Identities, Melissa R. Gornick

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine how sisters collaboratively construct advice episodes in naturally-occurring conversation and how they used these advice episodes in their negotiation of relational identities. Thus, two research questions were addressed: 1) How do sisters collaboratively construct advice episodes in naturally occurring conversation, and 2) How do sisters use advice episodes in their negotiation of relational identities. The database for the study consisted of four sister sets who audio taped naturally occurring conversation. Jefferson's (1984b) transcript notation system was used to transcribe sibling conversations which contained advice episodes and the transcripts were analyzed using the …

Go to article

Turning Toward Or Away From God: Religious Coping Strategies Activated In Times Of Crises, William Andrew Robinson Jan 2003

Turning Toward Or Away From God: Religious Coping Strategies Activated In Times Of Crises, William Andrew Robinson

Masters Theses

This study, which consists of two phases, explores the relationships between religion and coping with stress within the framework of interpersonal and intrapersonal communication. Both pastors and congregational members (n = 855) were surveyed about their perceptions of the role of religion in managing and coping with stress. A focus group involving five members of the clergy was implemented to conduct phase II of the research. This thesis examines how church relationships (i.e. with God, the pastor, and among congregational members) affect our abilities to function through stressful times. For phase I, a modified RCOPE survey (Pargament, Smith, Koenig, & …

Go to article

Pheidippides Revisited, James C. Stockwell Jan 2002

Pheidippides Revisited, James C. Stockwell

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Go to article

Narrating Identities: Adult Children Of Alcoholics And Their Social Support Systems, Laura J. Wolff Jan 2001

Narrating Identities: Adult Children Of Alcoholics And Their Social Support Systems, Laura J. Wolff

Masters Theses

This study examines communication between adult children of alcoholics and the social support systems that result from their relationships with their alcoholic parents. These relationships may form either with the alcoholic parent or with others around them. Surveys and a focus group were used to draw information from participants concerning social support systems, communication patterns, coping methods, and critical incidents that occurred during childhood. Adult children of alcoholics were also found to suffer from interpersonal problems, dependency problems, poorer communication skills, approval seeking tendencies, and intimacy problems. The findings of this report suggest that good social support minimizes the negative …

Go to article

The Development Of Cross-Sex Friendships: An In-Depth Look At Rawlins' Model Of Friendship Development, Corina Franz Jan 2001

The Development Of Cross-Sex Friendships: An In-Depth Look At Rawlins' Model Of Friendship Development, Corina Franz

Masters Theses

The following study examines the development of three cross-sex friendships through in-depth interviews. The development of cross-sex friendship has been neglected in much of the research, and Rawlins' Model of Friendship Development has been assumed to fit the development of cross-sex friendships. This study compares the development of these friendships to the friendship development model. The results show that much of the development of cross-sex friendships has characteristics similar to Rawlins' model, yet the model does not address all the developmental issues cross-sex friends encounter. Limitations to the study and suggestions for future research are presented.

Go to article

Aggressive Communication, Parental Communication, And Sibling Communication, Kristi K. Eustice Jan 2000

Aggressive Communication, Parental Communication, And Sibling Communication, Kristi K. Eustice

Masters Theses

The family is often seen as the center of instruction for children and the base for learning communication patterns. Aggressive communication is often seen in the family, especially as a parenting method. In this thesis, the current state of available literature on aggressive communication in the family is examined. This includes parenting styles, communication relationships between one parent and one child, and the negative effects verbal aggressive communication has on children. A t-test is used to research the responses of 100 students who have verbally aggressive parents. At 2.59, the t-test supports the hypothesis that parenting communication styles concerning aggressiveness …

Go to article

Next Last