188994 Ten years of health communication theory development, testing, and application

Monday, October 27, 2008: 9:10 AM

Marla L. Clayman, PhD, MPH , Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University &, Division of General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Vicki Freimuth, PhD , Department of Speech Communication and Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Thomas W. Valente, PhD , Department of Preventive Medicine- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Alhambra, CA
Rebecca J. W. Cline, PhD , Communication and Behavioral Oncology Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI
     
During the last 10 years, health communication professionals have made substantial contributions to improving the public's health through accomplishments in theory development and application, research, practice, policy, education, and capacity development. The literature on health communication theory development, testing, and application has grown significantly over this period of time in communication, public health, and other related journals. Theoretical approaches addressing interpersonal, group, interactive, and mass communication processes have been tested and applied to understanding a variety of public health communication processes, audience segmentation, and message effects. The National Cancer Institute funded four Centers of Excellence in Cancer Communication Research that have conducted research to test and build theory related to cancer communication. This presentation will highlight major accomplishments in the last ten years in public health communication theory and its application, and discuss opportunities and challenges for the next 10 years.

Learning Objectives:
1. List major accomplishments in the development, testing, and application of health communication theory in the last 10 years 2. Describe opportunities and challenges in developing, testing, and applying health communication theory in the future

Keywords: Health Communications, Theory

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an assistant professor in health communication, conduct theory testing research, and teach courses that address health communication theory.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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