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Scheinfeld E, Tenzek KE, Cherry J. Embracing Endings: Unveiling the Connection Between Final Conversations, the Opportunity Model for Presence, and Coping With the Death of Our Parents. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241278770. [PMID: 39180382 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241278770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
This study examines adult children's loss of a parent through final conversations and communal coping. By looking at survivors' experiences through the lens of the opportunity model for presence (OMP) during the end-of-life (EOL) process, a model that provides a path of engagement leading to a good or bad death and consequent bereavement processes, we quantitatively test the relationships between two communication constructs before and after death of a parent. While final conversations as one construct did not lead to appraisal or action coping, results illustrate that final conversation topics of identity, instrumental, love, and everyday talk, were significantly related to shared appraisal. Instrumental talk and love were significantly related to joint action. Joint action and shared appraisal together led to participants engaging in all three types of coping. Final conversations as a whole, was important for bereavement outcomes, whereas communal coping's role in these relationships was convoluted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Scheinfeld
- School of Communication and Media, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, USA
| | - Kelly E Tenzek
- Department of Communication, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jessica Cherry
- Department of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
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Zajdel M, Davidson H, Lea D, Koehly LM. Links of we-talk to caregiver social network systems and health. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2022; 36:1386-1396. [PMID: 35925717 PMCID: PMC9832756 DOI: 10.1037/fam0001013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Caring for a child, particularly one with a rare disease, presents a challenging set of stressors that can impact entire family networks. Given this shared impact, caregivers can engage in communal coping to address the caregiving process, defined as the perception of caregiving as shared and collaborative behaviors to address it. In this study, we examined one common measure of communal coping-first person plural pronouns or "we-talk"-in caregivers of either (a) children with rare or undiagnosed diseases or (b) typically developing children. We sought to examine how we-talk is linked to (a) caregiver health and well-being and (b) social network involvement in caregiving. Caregivers (n = 311) participated in (a) survey questionnaires (b) a network enumeration interview and (c) a semistructured interview of caregiving. Results indicated we-talk was unrelated to stress or self-rated health, but was linked to more benefit-finding; greater individual-focused language (I-talk) was also linked to worse self-rated health. Additionally, we-talk was unrelated to malfeasant behavior (e.g., overly critical), but was linked to less nonfeasant behavior (e.g., underinvolvement), more uplift behavior (e.g., helping with caregiving), and more health-related communication with network members. Further, these findings did not differ across caregiving context. This work highlights the role of communal coping for caregivers managing general parenting stress as well as the stress associated with caring for a child with complex medical needs. Future research should continue to examine how interpersonal coping processes operate within social networks to impact health and well-being for all involved. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Kim Y, Tian X, Solomon DH. Coping with COVID-19 at the community level: Testing the predictors and outcomes of communal coping. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:2790-2807. [PMID: 35032396 PMCID: PMC9015577 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a socially shared health issue that has had profound impacts on all aspects of community life and requires collaborative coping responses. Drawn from the extended theoretical model of communal coping, we examined (a) factors that promote community members' communal coping and (b) the influence of communal coping on perceived stress and positive adaptation in the context of COVID-19. An empirical test based on the survey of participants (N = 257) living in the state of New York showed that strong community identity, but not the length of residency in the same community and integrated connectedness to communication resources of the community, was positively associated with communal coping orientation. Having a higher communal coping orientation was not related to perceived stress, but it was positively related to engagement in COVID-19 preventive behaviors. The implications of these findings for understanding communal coping at the community level and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youllee Kim
- Department of Communication StudiesUniversity of DenverDenverColoradoUSA
| | - Xi Tian
- Department of Communication StudiesHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongHong Kong
| | - Denise H. Solomon
- Department of Communication Arts & SciencesThe Pennsylvania State UniversityState CollegePennsylvaniaUSA
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Pearce KE, Yip JC, Lee JH, Martinez JJ, Windleharth TW, Bhattacharya A, Li Q. Families Playing Animal Crossing Together: Coping With Video Games During the COVID-19 Pandemic. GAMES AND CULTURE 2022; 17:773-794. [PMID: 35791369 PMCID: PMC9209879 DOI: 10.1177/15554120211056125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was stressful for everyone, particularly for families who had to supervise and support children, facilitate remote schooling, and manage work and home life. We consider how families coped with pandemic-related stress using the video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Combining a family coping framework with theorizing about media as a coping tool, this interview study of 27 families (33 parents and 37 children) found that parents and children individual coped with pandemic-related stress with media. Parents engaged in protective buffering of their children with media, taking on individual responsibility to cope with a collective problem. Families engaged in communal coping, whereby media helped the family cope with a collective problem, taking on shared ownership and responsibility. We provide evidence for video games as coping tools, but with the novel consideration of family coping with media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy E. Pearce
- Department of Communication, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jason C. Yip
- The Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jin Ha Lee
- The Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jesse J. Martinez
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Qisheng Li
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Basinger ED, Hartsell H. Communal Coping and Self-Care in Black and White Individuals Living with Type 2 Diabetes. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 36:1961-1969. [PMID: 32844697 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1808408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is both prevalent and profoundly impactful, and how people cope with the illness is related to a variety of individual and relational outcomes. The goal of this investigation was to test the logic of the recently extended Theoretical Model of Communal Coping (TMCC), a communication theory that argues that race (in this study, Black and White) moderates the relationship between communal coping and disease-related outcomes (i.e., glucose, diet, and exercise self-care). In general, survey data from 348 participants (n = 224 Black participants, n = 124 White participants) revealed that although communal coping was directly and positively related to self-care, the relationship between communal coping and self-care was stronger for Black participants than White participants. The results of the study have implications for the TMCC and for researchers, families managing type 2 diabetes, and healthcare practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Basinger
- Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
| | - Haley Hartsell
- Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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Soto SH, Hales DP, Callahan LF, Rini C. Partner and Relationship Predictors of Longitudinal Physical Activity Trajectories Among Individuals with Osteoarthritis Using Latent Class Growth Analysis. Ann Behav Med 2021; 56:685-697. [PMID: 34223870 PMCID: PMC9274998 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaab054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity reduces osteoarthritis symptoms, yet many individuals with the disease are insufficiently active. PURPOSE We identified physical activity trajectories over 12 months of individuals with osteoarthritis and examined how their cohabiting spouses'/partners' baseline physical activity and relationship factors affected trajectory membership. METHODS In this longitudinal observational study, we collected data from 168 adults with knee/hip osteoarthritis. We used latent class growth curve analysis to identify physical activity trajectories and logistic regression to predict trajectory membership using partners' physical activity, relationship satisfaction, and communal coping (belief that both partners are responsible for osteoarthritis management). Measures, including objectively assessed physical activity, were collected at baseline from the couple, who then received an educational class on physical activity and social support. Objectively assessed physical activity was also collected from individuals with osteoarthritis at 1 week, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-baseline. RESULTS Three trajectories were identified: stable active, increaser, and stable sedentary (24%, 40%, 37% of participants, respectively). Individuals with osteoarthritis with partners who were more active and who believed they alone were responsible for their osteoarthritis were more likely to follow the stable active (versus stable sedentary) trajectory. Those with partners who were less active and had higher relationship satisfaction were more likely to follow the increaser (vs. stable active) trajectory. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate the importance of considering partner and relationship factors in physical activity interventions for couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra H Soto
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Carrington Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Thurston Arthritis Research Center, CB# 7280, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Derek P Hales
- Department of Nutrition, UNC Gillings School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Leigh F Callahan
- Thurston Arthritis Research Center, CB# 7280, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christine Rini
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Basinger ED. Testing a Dimensional Versus a Typological Approach to the Communal Coping Model in the Context of Type 2 Diabetes. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 35:585-596. [PMID: 30720348 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2019.1573297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The impact of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is far reaching, influencing the lives of both patients and their families. The communal coping model argues that people cope with stress in the context of their relationships, including family relationships, and that coping responses are both cognitive and behavioral in nature. According to the model, communal coping exists along two continuous dimensions: (a) appraisal, which assesses whether people's cognitions are individual or shared, and (b) action, which pertains to whether people engage in sole or joint behavior to diminish the negative effects of their stress. Theoretically, the dimensions of communal coping cross to create four distinct types of coping. However, this typology has not been statistically tested in existing research, so one goal of this study was to test the typology. A second goal was to assess how the dimensions and types of communal coping are related to family cohesion and individual T2D outcomes. In partial support of the communal coping model, three types of coping emerged, and overall, coping together was beneficial for patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin D Basinger
- Department of Communication Studies, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
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Afifi WA, Afifi TD. The relative impacts of disclosure and secrecy: the role of (perceived) target response. Curr Opin Psychol 2019; 31:94-98. [PMID: 31550636 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This review examines the current trends in understanding the impact of individuals' decisions to either disclose information or continue to conceal it. As a whole, the evidence points to a relative benefit of disclosure over secret-keeping, but with clear cases, in which disclosure may be harmful. Advances in knowledge about factors that shape that impact, new research on the role verbal rumination with a partner following disclosure, and attention to the role of communal coping as an outcome of traumatic disclosures are addressed. In addition, recent re-conceptualization of secret-keeping, and investigations into the burden experienced by confidants are reviewed. Finally, a call for greater attention to the culture-specific impacts of disclosure decisions is made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid A Afifi
- Department of Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara, United States.
| | - Tamara D Afifi
- Department of Communication, University of California, Santa Barbara, United States
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Merluzzi TV, Martinez Sanchez M. Husbands' perceptions of their wives' breast cancer coping efficacy: testing congruence models of adjustment. Cancer Manag Res 2018; 10:297-304. [PMID: 29491720 PMCID: PMC5815476 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s157124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent reviews have reinforced the notion that having a supportive spouse can help with the process of coping with and adjusting to cancer. Congruence between spouses' perspectives has been proposed as one mechanism in that process, yet alternative models of congruence have not been examined closely. This study assessed alternative models of congruence in perceptions of coping and their mediating effects on adjustment to breast cancer. Methods Seventy-two women in treatment for breast cancer and their husbands completed measures of marital adjustment, self-efficacy for coping, and adjustment to cancer. Karnofsky Performance Status was obtained from medical records. Wives completed a measure of self-efficacy for coping (wives' ratings of self-efficacy for coping [WSEC]) and husbands completed a measure of self-efficacy for coping (husbands' ratings of wives' self-efficacy for coping [HSEC]) based on their perceptions of their wives' coping efficacy. Results Interestingly, the correlation between WSEC and HSEC was only 0.207; thus, they are relatively independent perspectives. The following three models were tested to determine the nature of the relationship between WSEC and HSEC: discrepancy model (WSEC - HSEC), additive model (WSEC + HSEC), and multiplicative model (WSEC × HSEC). The discrepancy model was not related to wives' adjustment; however, the additive (B=0.205, P<0.001) and multiplicative (B=0.001, P<0.001) models were significantly related to wives' adjustment. Also, the additive model mediated the relationship between performance status and adjustment. Discussion Husbands' perception of their wives' coping efficacy contributed marginally to their wives' adjustment, and the combination of WSEC and HSEC mediated the relationship between functional status and wives' adjustment, thus positively impacting wives' adjustment to cancer. Future research is needed to determine the quality of the differences between HSEC and WSEC in order to develop interventions to optimize the impact of these two relatively independent perspectives on cancer outcomes.
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