Advancing the Integrative Theory of Communication Work: Developing and Validating a Measure of Communication Work Among U.S. Adults with Chronic Illnesses.

It is important to theorize and observe empirically how communicative behaviors can constitute a form of labor that may take a toll on people who are already coping with a health stressor. The present investigation considers the Integrative Theory of Communication Work (ITCW) from a post-positivist paradigm, with the goal of developing a psychometrically sound communication work scale. A diverse sample of American adults with chronic health conditions was recruited to complete an online survey inquiring about their experiences with communication work during illness.

A Reasoned Action Approach to Social Connection and Mental Health: Racial Group Differences and Similarities in Attitudes, Norms, and Intentions.

This study employed a Reasoned Action Approach to investigate two communication behaviors that were being built into a statewide behavioral health campaign: initiating a conversation about one's own mental health struggles, and starting a conversation to discuss someone else's mental health difficulties. We examined whether the extent of attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control regarding intent to perform these behaviors varied by racial identity. Using original survey data from Texans ( = 2,033), we conducted regression analyses for the two communication behaviors and found that intention to seek help was primarily explained by instrumental attitude, injunctive norm, descriptive norm, and perceived capacity; and intention to start a conversation to help someone else was primarily explained by instrumental attitude, injunctive norm, and perceived capacity.

Chaplain reported plans for end-of-life care conversations: Role clarity for the spiritual care specialists.

The present study examined chaplain reported plans for patient conversations regarding end-of-life (EOL) care through the lens of multiple goals. Chaplains ( = 69) were asked to curate a plan for engaging with a patient about EOL treatment options, including how they would engage in the conversation and what they would plan to discuss. Findings indicated that plans primarily consisted of relational and identity goals, with a majority navigating multiple goal orientations.

Health-Care Provider Planned Responses to Patient Misunderstandings about End-of-Life Care.

This study examined health-care provider planned responses to patient misunderstandings about end-of-life care using a multiple goals framework. Plan topics and content alignment with task, identity, and relational goal types were coded. Findings suggested that content was predominately task-oriented and concerned implications of treatment options such as choice outcomes and efficacy rates.