Bio

Ph.D., School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas

My research focuses on three lines of health communication: 1) the persuasive effects of media messages on health attitudes; 2) the transformative impact of emerging media technologies on health behaviors; 3) the profound influence of interpersonal communication on trust in health and emotional well-being. At its core, my work aims to illuminate how communication shapes beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral consequences, where emotional responses play an intermediate role. I aim to be a theory-driven researcher.

The first line specifically focuses on understanding the impacts of emotion-based appeal messages and entertainment narrative in influencing health attitudes. Specifically, my works explore the effects of narrative features (e.g., health PSA, testimonials, health-related fictional drama) and emotion-driven messages-appeals (e.g., fear, hope, guilt, anger) on health attitude shifts. The second line of my research focuses on how emerging technologies (e.g., digital media, AI, AR, VR, MR) affect health-related emotional responses and behavioral changes. Along this line of research, I am interested in how artificial intelligence, virtual health assistants, and interactive digital platforms shape public perceptions of health information, trust in the healthcare system, and health decision-making processes. The third line of my research examines the effects of interpersonal communication (e.g., patient-centered communication (PCC), family communication pattern (FCP) on health beliefs and emotional well-being (e.g., loneliness, boredom, depression, and anxiety). Along this line of research trajectory, I am also interested in exploring personal beliefs and pre-existing attitudes in predicting health outcomes.

In my research projects, I aim to deepen our understanding of emerging health communication issues by re-conceptualizing and advancing well-established communication theories, applying them to new media environments and diverse contexts. My studies extend widely used theories or theoretical models including Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) (Witte, 1992, 1994), Entertainment Overcoming Resistance Model (EORM) (Moyer-Gusé, 2008, 2010), Extended Elaboration Likelihood Model (E-ELM) (Slater & Rouner, 2002, 2004), Transportation Theory (Green & Brock, 2000), Identification Theory (Cohen, 2001), Theory of Planned Behaviors (TPB) (Ajzen, 1991), Health Beliefs Model (Rosenstock et al., 1988), Uncertainty Management Theory (Brashers, 2001), Action Tendency Emotions (Lazarus, 1991; Nabi, 2002; Nabi & Myrick, 2019; O’Keefe, 2000, 2002), Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000), and Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986). Notably, I have also put strong emphasis on the practical implications of my research. For example, my work has been made openly accessible on the NIH website to support public health interventions. My research aims to bridge the gap between academia and practical application by balancing conceptual developments with applicable recommendations.

I am a mixed-methods researcher. I primarily use quantitative methods (i.e., experiments, surveys, computational methods), but I am embracing qualitative methods (i.e., interviews, focus groups, grounded theory, critical discourse analysis) in my research. I have already used mixed methods in several published research projects and ongoing research projects under review. I am open to learning and adopting other research methods.

I am particularly interested in exploring new ways of analyzing data. I am proficient in several data analysis techniques, such as T-tests, ANOVA, ANCOVA, MANOVA, MANCOVA, Pearson Correlation, Regression (GLM, Logistic), Multivariate Analysis, Mediation and Moderation Analysis (PROCESS Macro), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). I am proficient in programming (e.g., R and Python).

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Health Communication
• Interpersonal Communication
• Emerging Media & Technologies (AI, VR, AR, MR) in Health Behaviors
• Narrative Persuasion & Discrete Emotions
• Entertainment Narrative & Media Effects

TEACHING INTERESTS

• Health Communication
• Communication Theory
• Research Methods (Quantitative and Qualitative)
• Interpersonal Communication
• Strategic Communication (Public Relations & Advertising)
• International Communication