Uncertainty, Information Management, and Disclosure Decisions

This volume provides an in-depth exploration of two key processes in communication research: uncertainty and information regulation. It integrates scholarly work on disclosure and uncertainty with cutting edge research, theories, and applications. Offering contributions from renowned scholars, this volume is a unique and timely resource for advanced study in interpersonal, health, and family communication, and it will also appeal to scholars interested in applied research.

Tamara D. Afifi (Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has published over fifty articles and chapters in numerous national and international outlets, and she was the recipient of the Young Scholar Award from the International Communication Association in 2006. Walid A. Afifi (Ph.D., University of Arizona) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is an author of more than 50 articles and chapters, has served as Associate Editor for both the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships and Personal Relationships, and has been active as a member of several editorial boards.

Foreword by Charles Berger (comm., UC Davis)* Introduction Tammy & Walid Afifi (comm; UC Santa Barbara) PART I: UNCERTAINTY Approaches to Interpersonal Uncertainty Uncertainty Management Theory Dale Brashers (comm; Univ. of Illinois)* Theory of Motivated Info. Management Walid Afifi (comm; UC Santa Barbara)* Problematic Integration Theory Austin Babrow (comm; Purdue)* Risk Perception Attitude Framework (Health) Rajiv Rimal (comm; Johns Hopkins)* & Monique Mitchell (comm; Univ. of Maryland)* Personality Differences in Need for Closure Arie Kruglanski (psych; Univ. of Maryland)* Uncertainty, Personality, & Illness Suzanne Miller (psych; Fox Chase Cancer Center)* Information Seeking Model David Johnson (comm; Unv. of Kentucky)* Contexts of Uncertainty Culture, Couple's Coping, & Illness Daena Goldsmith (comm; Lewis & Clark) (tentative yes) Relational Uncertainty Leanne Knobloch (comm; Univ. of Illinois)* Uncertainty & Computer Mediated Communication Art Ramirez (comm; Ohio State Univ.)* & Joe Walther (comm; Michigan State)*    PART II: INFORMATION REGULATION Processes Involved with Information Regulation: Avoidance & Secrets Secrets in Interpersonal Relationships & Families Anita Vangelisti (comm; Texas-Austin)* & John Caughlin (comm; Univ. of Illinois)* Reasons for Secret Keeping & Functions * Catrin Finkenauer (psych; Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)* Conflict Avoidance Michael Roloff (comm; Northwestern)* Avoidance in Interpersonal Relationships & Families Tamara Afifi (comm; UC Santa Barbara)* Challenges to Disclosure New Approach to Viewing Uncertainty & Info Reg Dawn Braithwaite (comm; Nebraska-Lincoln)* & Leslie Baxter (comm; Iowa)* Privacy & Health Sandra Petronio (comm; IUPUI)* Revisit Ideology of Openness