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Title: CROSSING THE LINE IN CROSS-SEX FRIENDSHIPS: EFFECTS OF PAST SEXUAL CONTACT AND DATING STATUS ON RELATIONAL MAINTENANCE.
Creator: Emmett, Melissa, Weger, Jr., Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Given that male-female friendships lack institutional guidelines or scripts to guide everyday interactions, sustaining these relationships can be complicated. Although researchers have recently begun to study relational maintenance patterns in cross-sex friendships, no study has yet to investigate sex's and dating status's direct influences on friendship maintenance. This investigation seeks to add to the field's academic understanding of these personal relationships. Specifically...
Show moreGiven that male-female friendships lack institutional guidelines or scripts to guide everyday interactions, sustaining these relationships can be complicated. Although researchers have recently begun to study relational maintenance patterns in cross-sex friendships, no study has yet to investigate sex's and dating status's direct influences on friendship maintenance. This investigation seeks to add to the field's academic understanding of these personal relationships. Specifically, the researcher sought to uncover the associations between 10 friendship maintenance behaviors, past sexual contact, valence of past sexual contact, and cross-sex friends' dating statuses. Quantitative data were collected from 277 participants at a large Southeastern university using a survey methodology. Overall, results indicate that patterns of relational maintenance do differ as a function of friendship level, past sexual involvement, valence of past sexual involvement, and cross-sex friends' dating statuses. Past sexual involvement associates with higher levels of relationship talk, avoidance of negativity, and flirting. In addition, valence of past sexual activity varies across friendship level and associates with higher levels of positivity and flirting. Lastly, dating status significantly affects 3 of the 10 maintenance behaviors: routine contact and activity, flirting, and humor. Linear, quadratic, and cubic relationships were found for these variables, respectively. Implications of results, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002070, ucf:47585
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002070

Title: MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SILENCE AND PASSIVITY: HOW AMERICAN STUDENTS PERCEIVE ASIAN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS' USE OF PASSIVITY WITHIN THE CLASSROOM.
Creator: Nuru, Audra, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Asian international students (AIS) are becoming increasingly more populous in American universities each year. While AIS are enrolled in the same required classes as American students, it has been observed that frequent interaction between AIS and American students is rather uncommon. Due to obvious social hesitation between the two groups of students during classroom discussion, the study presented was initiated in order to unveil possible reasons for this social integration dilemma. Social...
Show moreAsian international students (AIS) are becoming increasingly more populous in American universities each year. While AIS are enrolled in the same required classes as American students, it has been observed that frequent interaction between AIS and American students is rather uncommon. Due to obvious social hesitation between the two groups of students during classroom discussion, the study presented was initiated in order to unveil possible reasons for this social integration dilemma. Social Attractiveness, Perceived Homophily and Attributional Confidence scales were selected in order to determine possible factors contributing to this dilemma. In order to pursue explanations for the dormant socialization between the two groups of students during class, a survey was administered to a convenience sampling of 426 undergraduate students enrolled in upper-level courses at the University of Central Florida. Results indicated that passive classroom behavior was perceived as less socially desirable by American students. In fact, participants determined that students reflecting passive classroom behavior were less socially attractive, less similar, and less predictable than students that demonstrated active classroom behavior. Ethnicity factors did not play a key role in determining social appeal. These findings provide evidence that the social integration dilemma facing AIS and American students has much more to do with perceived social behavior and cultural differences regarding classroom behavior than with racial prejudice or ethnicity factors.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002415, ucf:47733
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002415

Title: PREDICTING COMPENSATION AND RECIPROCITY OF BIDS FOR SEXUAL AND/OR ROMANTIC ESCALATION IN CROSS-SEX FRIENDSHIPS.
Creator: Akbulut, Valerie, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: With more opportunities available to men and women to interact, both professionally and personally (i.e., the workplace, educational setting, community), friendships with members of the opposite sex are becoming more common. Increasingly, researchers have noted that one facet that makes cross-sex friendships unique compared to other types of relationships (i.e. romantic love, same-sex friendships, familial relationships), is that there is the possibility and opportunity for a romantic or...
Show moreWith more opportunities available to men and women to interact, both professionally and personally (i.e., the workplace, educational setting, community), friendships with members of the opposite sex are becoming more common. Increasingly, researchers have noted that one facet that makes cross-sex friendships unique compared to other types of relationships (i.e. romantic love, same-sex friendships, familial relationships), is that there is the possibility and opportunity for a romantic or sexual relationship to manifest. Communication research has yet to investigate how one decides whether to begin a romantic or sexual relationship or choose to remain platonic with their cross-sex friend. Given that cross-sex friendships deal with a lot of ambiguity regarding the nature of the friendship, this researcher sought to uncover what factors determine whether parties reciprocate romantic or sexual interest or opt to remain platonic through the theoretical lens of interaction adaptation theory. Specifically, the researcher sought to determine what expectations and desires predict compensation or reciprocity of romantic or sexual desires. At a large Southeastern university, quantitative data were collected from 307 participants. The results indicated that of the variables, Not Attracted, Incompatibility, and closeness were significant predictors of romantic reciprocation. In the case of 'friends with benefit' relationships, the results indicated that of the variables, Not Attracted, Sexual/Romantic Potential, sex, and sexual attitudes were significant predictors of sexual reciprocity. Further explanations of results, limitations, and future directions for research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002531, ucf:47668
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002531

Title: THE INFLUENCE OF FAMILY COMMUNICATION STYLES ON CAMPUS EXPERIENCE IN COLLEGE-AGED CHILDREN.
Creator: Kjosa, Madison, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: As an environment, the modern university setting is diverse and subject students to numerous challenges and opportunities that prepare them to enter careers, build families, and grow as an individual. Yet what a student experiences in college differs greatly and is shaped by internal and external factors in their environment, including campus participation, college self-efficacy, depression and stress. Prior research indicates the impact of family on how a student expresses each of these...
Show moreAs an environment, the modern university setting is diverse and subject students to numerous challenges and opportunities that prepare them to enter careers, build families, and grow as an individual. Yet what a student experiences in college differs greatly and is shaped by internal and external factors in their environment, including campus participation, college self-efficacy, depression and stress. Prior research indicates the impact of family on how a student expresses each of these variables (Schmidtgall, King, Zarski and Cooper, 2000; Bradbury and Mather, 2009; Hannum and Dvorak, 2004; Kenny and Donaldson, 1991; Lopez et al, 2001; Shaver and Mikulincer, 2006). However, there is one area of the family that has been scarcely studied in terms of campus experience influence: family communication patterns (FCPs). The present study sought to investigate this connection. Utilizing a survey-based design, 253 student participants were asked questions to identify the amount of conversation and conformity orientation present in their family unit, as well as levels of campus participation, college self-efficacy, depression and stress. Results indicated that conversation and conformity orientation in families were positively correlated with campus participation. Conversation orientation led to higher feelings of college self-efficacy and lower feelings of stress and depression. Conformity orientation had no correlation with experiencing stress or depression. The current study suggests that family communication does indeed influence multiple areas of a student's college experience, though conversation-oriented communication has a greater positive influence. Having a positive and communicative family environment allows students to get involved, lowers their risk of experiencing mental issues, and equips them to feel confident in their environment. However, the obedience and uniformity found in conformity orientation families instills structure in a student, which may help them avoid distractions and stay focused on schoolwork (Koerner and Fitzpatrick, 1997).
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000423, ucf:45885
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000423

Title: GENDER'S ROLE IN SPANISH-LANGUAGE JOURNALISM- AN EXAMINATION OF HOW GENDER PLAYS IN HARD VS. SOFT NEWS.
Creator: Elajami, Victoria R, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The inequality of women in the workforce has been an ongoing issue. The 19th amendment granted women the right to vote in 1920. Since then, women have continued to fight for their equality in its entirety. Specifically, in the 21st-century women continue to fight for equality in the work place. Studies have shown that the amount of women in the workplace has exponentially increased. In fact, "they caught up with men in the rates of higher-education graduation, they increased their training...
Show moreThe inequality of women in the workforce has been an ongoing issue. The 19th amendment granted women the right to vote in 1920. Since then, women have continued to fight for their equality in its entirety. Specifically, in the 21st-century women continue to fight for equality in the work place. Studies have shown that the amount of women in the workplace has exponentially increased. In fact, "they caught up with men in the rates of higher-education graduation, they increased their training and representation in formerly male-dominated professional fields and they entered many previously male dominated occupations" (Vokić, 2017). However the increase of representation doesn't necessarily positively correlate with the treatment of women in the workforce. In many countries the most prominent journalists remain male. The purpose of this paper is to detect if Spanish-language journalism is male dominated in regard to the kinds of stories male and female reporters are assigned. Through the observation of which gender gets assigned hard/soft news stories we will examine if this pattern continues in Spanish-language broadcast journalism. We will determine if stereotypes and gender roles are being reinforced in the media through the assignment of stories to reporters.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFH2000363, ucf:45711
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000363

Title: ATTACHMENT STYLE'S IMPACT ON THE PERCEPTION OF SELF-VERIFYING AND SELF-ENHANCING COMFORTING MESSAGES.
Creator: Shellabarger, Krista, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigates the connection between one's adult attachment style and one's evaluation of verifying or enhancing comforting messages. Drawing from research by Swann (2005) and Katz and Joiner (2002), the hypothesis predicted that an individual would prefer verifying messages over enhancing messages regardless of attachment style. A research question was also posed: Will an individual's adult attachment style moderate the degree to which a person perceives the...
Show moreThis study investigates the connection between one's adult attachment style and one's evaluation of verifying or enhancing comforting messages. Drawing from research by Swann (2005) and Katz and Joiner (2002), the hypothesis predicted that an individual would prefer verifying messages over enhancing messages regardless of attachment style. A research question was also posed: Will an individual's adult attachment style moderate the degree to which a person perceives the communication of verifying or enhancing messages as helpful or effective? In an effort to find these answers, a questionnaire was completed by 251 individuals. Results indicate a preference for verifying messages among participants regardless of attachment style. This is consistent with the findings of Katz and Joiner (2002) and Swann (2005). However, results did not indicate a significant difference between attachment style and a preference of enhancing or verifying messages.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002324, ucf:47822
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002324

Title: CONNECTING SELF ENHANCEMENT AND SELF VERIFICATION MESSAGES IN FRIENDSHIPS.
Creator: Bloch, Ann, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study investigates the connection between self-enhancement and self-verification and confirmation and emotional support. The hypotheses predicted that there is a positive relationship between confirmation and self-enhancement and self-verification; people feel good about themselves when confirmed by friends, people feel that friends know them well when they are confirmed. The hypotheses also predicted that there would be a positive relationship between emotional support and self...
Show moreThis study investigates the connection between self-enhancement and self-verification and confirmation and emotional support. The hypotheses predicted that there is a positive relationship between confirmation and self-enhancement and self-verification; people feel good about themselves when confirmed by friends, people feel that friends know them well when they are confirmed. The hypotheses also predicted that there would be a positive relationship between emotional support and self-enhancement and self-verification; people feel good when friends provide emotional support, and people feel that friends know them well when provided emotional support. A research question was also posed: Does family functioning have an effect on perceptions of self-enhancement and self-verification messages? To find the answers, a questionnaire was completed by 279 individuals. The results indicate two types of enhancement messages; a more specific and positive form of enhancement and more global (and negative) self perception of rejection. The findings are interesting and unique to self-enhancement in communication research which provides many avenues for continued research. Results also suggest that different elements of confirming communication influences perceptions of enhancement in different ways, emotional support predicts verification.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002939, ucf:47975
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002939

Title: JEALOUSY AND ATTACHMENT 2.0: THE ROLE OF ATTACHMENT IN THE EXPRESSION AND EXPERIENCE OF JEALOUSY ON FACEBOOK.
Creator: Cole, Megan, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The main objective of this research was to investigate how people use Facebook within the context of their romantic relationships from an attachment theory perspective. In the present study, a convenience sample (n = 179) completed an online survey with questions about Facebook use, attachment style, uncertainty-related behaviors, jealousy, relationship satisfaction and commitment. Results indicate that 1) there is a positive correlation between jealousy and Facebook use; 2) also, there is a...
Show moreThe main objective of this research was to investigate how people use Facebook within the context of their romantic relationships from an attachment theory perspective. In the present study, a convenience sample (n = 179) completed an online survey with questions about Facebook use, attachment style, uncertainty-related behaviors, jealousy, relationship satisfaction and commitment. Results indicate that 1) there is a positive correlation between jealousy and Facebook use; 2) also, there is a positive correlation between jealousy and the time an individual spends viewing their partnerÃ‚Â's profile; 3) further, jealousy is positively related to uncertainty-reducing behaviors. Taken together, these results support the assertion that there is a downward spiral involving jealousy and Facebook. Results also showed that there are two types of uncertainty-related behaviors: antisocial behaviors and territorial behaviors. Anxious-ambivalent attachment styles were found to engage in antisocial behaviors the most, whereas secure individuals engaged in antisocial behaviors the least. The findings provide ample areas for future research on social networking sites and relationship variables.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0003078, ucf:48329
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003078

Title: Living with Cain: Associations among sibling trauma, sibling aggression, social adaptability, and risk taking in college.
Creator: Collins, Chad, Weger, Harry, Parrish, Adam, Miller, Ann, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study evaluated the relationship between three different dimensions of sibling abuse(-) verbal, physical, and sexual(-) and communicative social adaptability and risk-taking outcomes. A quantitative survey (N = 477) explored the frequency of such abuse among college students and self-reported risk-taking behavior, social experience, social wit, appropriate self-disclosure, social confirmation, and social composure. Moreover, participants responded to nominal prompts asking whether they...
Show moreThis study evaluated the relationship between three different dimensions of sibling abuse(-) verbal, physical, and sexual(-) and communicative social adaptability and risk-taking outcomes. A quantitative survey (N = 477) explored the frequency of such abuse among college students and self-reported risk-taking behavior, social experience, social wit, appropriate self-disclosure, social confirmation, and social composure. Moreover, participants responded to nominal prompts asking whether they ever reported their sibling abuse. Independent sample t-tests and correlation tests show that survivors of sibling trauma are moee likely to appropriately disclose socially and are more likely to report engaging in an index of various risky behaviors (e.g. heavy drinking and suicidal ideation) during their life. The three dimensions of trauma are correlated with different dimensions of communicative social adaptability and risk-taking behaviors. With regard to communicative social adaptability, experiencing verbal abuse is correlated with an increase in social confirmation, appropriate social disclosure, and social wit while physical abuse is correlated with an increase in social confirmation and social wit. These results supplement a small but extant body of literature on sibling abuse and demonstrates the need to further study maladaptive sibling dyads.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: CFE0007444, ucf:52738
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007444

Title: Style Speaks: Clothing Judgments, Gender Stereotypes, and Expectancy Violations of Professional Women.
Creator: Lower, Jamie, Weger, Harry, Sandoval, Jennifer, Miller, Ann, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Clothing is a powerful nonverbal communicative tool and form of self-expression that provides others with clues about our personality, mood, education, culture, financial status, and social ranking, amongst numerous other impression cues. Research shows that physical appearance plays a prominent role in the formation of initial judgments and is significant in shaping a person's overall impression on others (Richmond, McCroskey, (&) Payne, 1991). The present study sought to quantitatively...
Show moreClothing is a powerful nonverbal communicative tool and form of self-expression that provides others with clues about our personality, mood, education, culture, financial status, and social ranking, amongst numerous other impression cues. Research shows that physical appearance plays a prominent role in the formation of initial judgments and is significant in shaping a person's overall impression on others (Richmond, McCroskey, (&) Payne, 1991). The present study sought to quantitatively explore the effect that different styles of dress have on initial judgments formed about women in workplace settings. Using expectancy violation theory, the study investigates workplace gender bias and whether or not certain styles of women's dress garner different initial reactions. Results showed that models in feminine attire are perceived to be lower in ratings of dominance and expertise, and models in more masculine attire are perceived to be lower in ratings of kindness and friendliness.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007043, ucf:51971
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007043

Title: Examining Relationships Among Income, Individual and Relationship Distress, and Outcomes in Marriage and Relationship Education for Low-to-Moderate Income Married Couples.
Creator: Carlson, Ryan, Daire, Andrew, Jones, Karyn, Young, Mark, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The current study utilized data from a federally-funded healthy marriage grant to examine pre, post, and three-to-six month follow-up changes in relationship satisfaction (as measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale total scores) and individual distress (as measured by the Outcomes Questionnaire 45.2). Additionally, the study evaluated income and dosage as predictors of relationship satisfaction and individual distress change at post-assessment and three-to-six month follow-up. Participants...
Show moreThe current study utilized data from a federally-funded healthy marriage grant to examine pre, post, and three-to-six month follow-up changes in relationship satisfaction (as measured by the Dyadic Adjustment Scale total scores) and individual distress (as measured by the Outcomes Questionnaire 45.2). Additionally, the study evaluated income and dosage as predictors of relationship satisfaction and individual distress change at post-assessment and three-to-six month follow-up. Participants included 220 married individuals with children who completed PREP 7.0 (Prevention Relationship Enhancement Program). A repeated measures, split plot, MANOVA indicated statistically significant improvements in relationship satisfaction and individual distress for participants at post-assessment and three-to-six month follow-up. No significant differences existed in relationship satisfaction and individual distress changes between men and women. Hierarchical multiple regression indicated combined monthly income and dosage (as measured by number of lessons attended) did not predict changes in relationship satisfaction and individual distress at post-assessment and three-to-six month follow-up. However, partner scores accounted for the largest percent of variance in relationship satisfaction change. Discussion of results, implications for research and practice, and study limitations are provided.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004205, ucf:49035
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004205

Title: How Do They Fit In?: Millennials In The Workplace.
Creator: Richendollar, Carolee, Hastings, Sally, Weger, Harry, Musambira, George, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In some organizations four generations work together creating a unique culture. Millennials are the second largest generation currently in the workforce. Organizational culture is affected by interpersonal communication. Interviews were conducted with 17 workers between the ages of 19 and 30. Interviews consisted of 22 open-ended questions regarding daily tasks, organized activities, and interpersonal interaction. The perspective of organizational culture was evaluated through personal, task,...
Show moreIn some organizations four generations work together creating a unique culture. Millennials are the second largest generation currently in the workforce. Organizational culture is affected by interpersonal communication. Interviews were conducted with 17 workers between the ages of 19 and 30. Interviews consisted of 22 open-ended questions regarding daily tasks, organized activities, and interpersonal interaction. The perspective of organizational culture was evaluated through personal, task, social, and organizational rituals. Membership categorization was used to determine common vocabulary used to identify with coworkers. Duck's theory on attraction was used to evaluate interpersonal behavior seeking to determine psychological attractors acting as catalysts for relationship building. Data found suggests that Millennials create a culture similar to the tribal example suggested in previous research. Rituals act as forms of cultural dissemination and strengthening. The use of membership categorization devices reflected the structure of the organization and relationships between coworkers. Using Duck's attraction theory, an analysis reflected the identification factors that act as catalysts for relationships. Psychological attraction was linked to common interests.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004919, ucf:49608
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004919

Title: From the top: Impression management strategies and organizational identity in executive-authored weblogs.
Creator: McLane, Teryl, Hastings, Sally, Weger, Harry, Musambira, George, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This research examines impression management strategies high-ranking organizational executives employ to create an identity for themselves and their companies via executive authored Weblogs (blogs). This study attempts to identify specific patterns of impression management strategies through a deductive content analysis applying Jones' (1990) taxonomy of self-presentation strategies to this particular type of computer mediated communication. Sampling for this study (n=227) was limited to...
Show moreThis research examines impression management strategies high-ranking organizational executives employ to create an identity for themselves and their companies via executive authored Weblogs (blogs). This study attempts to identify specific patterns of impression management strategies through a deductive content analysis applying Jones' (1990) taxonomy of self-presentation strategies to this particular type of computer mediated communication. Sampling for this study (n=227) was limited to blogs solely and regularly authored by the highest-ranking leaders of Fortune 500 companies. The study revealed that executive bloggers frequently employed impression management strategies aimed at currying competency attributes (self-promotion), likeability (ingratiation), and moral worthiness (exemplification) to construct and shape a positive identify for themselves and their organization for their publics. Supplication strategies were used less frequently, while intimidation strategies were rarely used.
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Date Issued: 2012
Identifier: CFE0004411, ucf:49373
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004411

Title: Transitions in Polyamorous Identity and Intercultural Communication: An Application of Identity Management Theory.
Creator: Table, Allison, Weger, Harry, Hastings, Sally, Sandoval, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis examines the intercultural communicative strategies and non-monogamous identity formation of polyamorous individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the identity management tactics that polyamorous individuals utilize to navigate a society in which monogamy is the norm. Interactions of polyamorous individuals within a monoganormative society are treated as a type of intercultural communication due to the contrasting cultural identities and communication rules. E...
Show moreThis thesis examines the intercultural communicative strategies and non-monogamous identity formation of polyamorous individuals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the identity management tactics that polyamorous individuals utilize to navigate a society in which monogamy is the norm. Interactions of polyamorous individuals within a monoganormative society are treated as a type of intercultural communication due to the contrasting cultural identities and communication rules. E-interviews with 38 polyamorous individuals provided basis for phone and Skype interviews. The Retrospective Interview Technique (Huston, Surra, Fitzgerald, (&) Cate, 1981) required interviewees to recall development of their polyamorous identity and interactions with monogamous others from the past to present day. Twenty-two interviews produced the phases of identity management, including Trial and Error, Enmeshment (Mixing Up), and Renegotiation. Analyzing interviewees' communication also produced the themes of managing stigma and impressions of the relationship identity. Implications of the study include a richer understanding of polyamorous identity management, polyamory as a relationship orientation, and a new perspective in applying identity management theory.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006187, ucf:51153
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006187

Title: An Examination of Serial Arguing and Marital Satisfaction in Premarital Cohabiters and Direct Marriers.
Creator: Reymann, Rachel, Weger, Harry, Hastings, Sally, Neuberger, Lindsay, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Negative communication behaviors that occur prior to marriage often continue into marriage without proper intervention (i.e. marriage counseling). One such communication behavior is the serial argument (i.e. an argument that occurs and reoccurs over time). The topics that married couples argue about offer a unique insight to the health of one's relationship. The present study examined differences between 124 individuals, 93 who cohabited with their spouse prior to marriage and 31 who did not,...
Show moreNegative communication behaviors that occur prior to marriage often continue into marriage without proper intervention (i.e. marriage counseling). One such communication behavior is the serial argument (i.e. an argument that occurs and reoccurs over time). The topics that married couples argue about offer a unique insight to the health of one's relationship. The present study examined differences between 124 individuals, 93 who cohabited with their spouse prior to marriage and 31 who did not, in both the topics and frequency of serial arguments and overall martial satisfaction. The results indicated that there was no difference in frequency (number of topics, within each topic, overall frequency) of serial arguments between both groups. However, individuals who did not live with their spouse prior to marriage experienced lower levels of marital satisfaction when engaged in conflict regarding certain topics than did premarital cohabiters.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006167, ucf:51154
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006167

Title: Blogging Love After Loss: How Widows Use Facework When Revealing Their New Relationships Online.
Creator: Baker, Sunshine, Hastings, Sally, Weger, Harry, Sandoval, Jennifer, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Expressions of identity are increasingly occurring in online communication as a variety of social media have emerged. People establish and manage identities online, and experience challenges when changing their online image. Widows experience this challenge in a dramatic fashion, especially when they begin to date and reveal new relationships online. The purpose of this study was to examine the expressions of facework in the online writings of widows regarding their new romantic relationships...
Show moreExpressions of identity are increasingly occurring in online communication as a variety of social media have emerged. People establish and manage identities online, and experience challenges when changing their online image. Widows experience this challenge in a dramatic fashion, especially when they begin to date and reveal new relationships online. The purpose of this study was to examine the expressions of facework in the online writings of widows regarding their new romantic relationships. This illuminated the ways in which one population, young widow bloggers, deals with the challenge of online identity management. A systematic thematic analysis was conducted to describe how posts on widow blogs address the positive face needs of remarrying widows. This study discovered evidence of preventive facework, face threats and face attacks, and corrective facework used in online blogs written by widows.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005127, ucf:50683
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005127

Title: Preparing for the Inevitable: Sensemaking in Parent-Child Discussions of Death.
Creator: Wartmann, Carrie, Hastings, Sally, Musambira, George, Weger, Harry, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Death is something everyone will eventually encounter, yet American society has a tendency to avoid or deny death in everyday life and language. Death makes people uncomfortable, and many view it as a topic too complex for children to understand. Children, however, witness big and little deaths in their lives: of pets, relatives, plants, and favorite fairy tale characters. When a child experiences a death, he or she may have questions for parents or other trusted adults which our current...
Show moreDeath is something everyone will eventually encounter, yet American society has a tendency to avoid or deny death in everyday life and language. Death makes people uncomfortable, and many view it as a topic too complex for children to understand. Children, however, witness big and little deaths in their lives: of pets, relatives, plants, and favorite fairy tale characters. When a child experiences a death, he or she may have questions for parents or other trusted adults which our current avoidance-geared society does not prepare adults for.Children exist in a specific cultural context, and learn rules and expectations of society from an early age. How society views a subject like death will influence how it is talked about, experienced, and learned. Parents and families serve as the primary means of socialization for young children and hold a position of expertise within the parent-child dynamic. Both socio-cultural and personal beliefs about death will influence how a parent approaches death education with his or her child.Through examination of the sensemaking and sensegiving accounts of parent participants, this study sought to understand what the process is like for parents who are discussing the subject of death with their children, what goals and concerns parents have, what information a parent privileges as important within the social and historical context of the conversation, and what resources he or she accesses, if any, to assist with communication. By framing the participants' experiences as (")making sense(") of a social environment after an interruption, this study was able to investigate the processes of sensemaking and sensegiving in an interpersonal context between parent and child, the roles of Weick's (1995) characteristics of sensemaking, implicit and explicit messages relayed to children about death, and the influence of social scripts on both processes.Twelve semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to gather accounts in context of parents who had previously discussed death with their children. Interviews were analyzed based on a modified constructivist grounded theory approach (Charmaz, 2006). The study was designed to remain as close to the relayed experience of the participants as possible with hope that information from the participants' experiences will be useful for both academics and parents as a future resource for preparing for parent-child communication about death.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006415, ucf:51459
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006415

Title: The influence of trait anxiety on information processing: An elaboration likelihood study.
Creator: Appelbaum, Michael, Miller, Ann, Weger, Harry, Rubenking, Bridget, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study explored the influence of trait anxiety on information processing in persuasive situations, and investigated cognitive load as a mediator of this relationship. The research presented was based off DeBono and McDermott's (1994) framework for exploring trait anxiety and persuasion. The theoretical lens used to explore information processing, the elaboration likelihood model (Petty (&) Cacioppo, 1986) posits that motivation and ability are necessary components to elaborate on a...
Show moreThis study explored the influence of trait anxiety on information processing in persuasive situations, and investigated cognitive load as a mediator of this relationship. The research presented was based off DeBono and McDermott's (1994) framework for exploring trait anxiety and persuasion. The theoretical lens used to explore information processing, the elaboration likelihood model (Petty (&) Cacioppo, 1986) posits that motivation and ability are necessary components to elaborate on a message. However, very little research has addressed ability variables like trait anxiety. I predicted that students high in trait anxiety would be persuaded by the attractiveness of the source (peripherally) whereas students low in trait anxiety would be persuaded by the strength of the arguments presented (centrally).Undergraduate students were asked to view a picture of a policy presenter and listen to a recording of the student's proposed policy statement. After listening to the recording participants wrote down their thoughts during the presentation and were tested on their ability to recall the arguments presented. They then completed a few scale items assessing their attitudes toward the policy as well as questions to maintain the cover story.Findings showed no difference in processing between low and high trait anxious individuals. However, there was a significant effect of anxiety on attitudes. Additionally, cognitive load was not found to be a mediator of the relationship between anxiety and attitudes.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005572, ucf:50262
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005572

Title: Dog Ownership as a Catalyst of Conflict and Relationship Maintenance in Romantic Relationships.
Creator: Elrick, Ashley, Weger, Harry, Miller, Ann, Hastings, Sally, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Pets are a common aspect of life for many Americans. In 2012, 36.5% of American household owned dogs and 30.4% owned cats (American Veterinary Medical Foundation, 2012). The purpose on this study was to explore the influence of dog ownership on romantic relationships. Specifically, this thesis investigates how dog ownership acts as a catalyst of relational maintenance and conflict behavior in interactions about the couple's dog. No prior research has been conducted on the role dogs' play in...
Show morePets are a common aspect of life for many Americans. In 2012, 36.5% of American household owned dogs and 30.4% owned cats (American Veterinary Medical Foundation, 2012). The purpose on this study was to explore the influence of dog ownership on romantic relationships. Specifically, this thesis investigates how dog ownership acts as a catalyst of relational maintenance and conflict behavior in interactions about the couple's dog. No prior research has been conducted on the role dogs' play in enacting relational maintenance or conflict in romantic relationships, so it is unclear if there is an influence to the these behaviors. This study asks how dog ownership might act as a centripetal force pulling the relationship together (e.g. relational maintenance) and/or as a centrifugal force pushing the partners apart (e.g. conflict). A total of 379 participants were recruited through social media to complete a short online survey. The survey asked questions on the romantic relationship, dog ownership, conflict regarding the dog, relational maintenance activities regarding the dog, and demographics. The majority of participants reported engaging in 8 of the 24 relational maintenance activities (")often(") or (")always(") and 3 of the 30 conflict topics occurred at least one or more times. Satisfaction with the romantic relationship associated positively with partial weak and negligible correlations to the relational maintenance activities and one negligible association with a conflict topic. A thematic analysis provides details on the short answers participants provided. The results shows that dogs do provide couples opportunities for relational maintenance but also are the source of conflict. This research is the start to understanding the role of dog ownership within romantic relationship. While each couple and dog may produce different influences on the relationship, this study is the start for the investigation and provides guidance for future research.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005328, ucf:50533
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005328

Title: The Phenomenological Experience of Narrative Transportation.
Creator: Buchanan, William, Fiore, Stephen, Weger, Harry, Miller, Ann, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Previous research has attempted to identify consequences of mental transportation into narrative worlds. While scales have been developed and validated to measure readers' levels of transportation, the objective quantification has left researchers at a descriptive disadvantage for the full range of qualitative responses to this phenomenon. This study presents a qualitative method of inquiry designed to get at the experience of narrative transportation as it is lived: the phenomenological...
Show morePrevious research has attempted to identify consequences of mental transportation into narrative worlds. While scales have been developed and validated to measure readers' levels of transportation, the objective quantification has left researchers at a descriptive disadvantage for the full range of qualitative responses to this phenomenon. This study presents a qualitative method of inquiry designed to get at the experience of narrative transportation as it is lived: the phenomenological interview. Interview transcripts were inductively analyzed for common themes that indicate intersubjective features of narrative experience. Four main themes were identified, which were composed of 22 base-level experiences reported by participants. These findings corroborated the extant literature and provided a nuanced understanding of the phenomenon as it is lived.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004657, ucf:49883
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004657

communication (3)	+ -
Communication (2)	+ -
Conflict (2)	+ -
Marriage (2)	+ -
Romantic Relationships (2)	+ -

qualitative (2)	+ -
American Perspectives (1)	+ -
Anxiety (1)	+ -
Attraction (1)	+ -
Broadcast (1)	+ -
Campus Involvement (1)	+ -
Cognitive Load (1)	+ -
College (1)	+ -
College Students (1)	+ -
Communication Orientations (1)	+ -
Compensation (1)	+ -
Confirmation (1)	+ -
Conformity Orientation (1)	+ -
Conversation Orientation (1)	+ -
Couples (1)	+ -
Cross-Sex Friendships (1)	+ -
Distress (1)	+ -
Dog Ownership (1)	+ -
Education (1)	+ -
Elaboration Likelihood Model (1)	+ -
Emotional Support (1)	+ -
Facebook (1)	+ -
Family Communication (1)	+ -
Friends With Benefits Relationships (1)	+ -
Friendship (1)	+ -

ETD Collection (20)	+ -
Honors Collection (2)	+ -

University of Central Florida (22)	+ -
Weger, Harry (21)	+ -
Hastings, Sally (8)	+ -
Miller, Ann (7)	+ -
Musambira, George (3)	+ -

Sandoval, Jennifer (3)	+ -
Akbulut, Valerie (1)	+ -
Appelbaum, Michael (1)	+ -
Baker, Sunshine (1)	+ -
Bloch, Ann (1)	+ -
Buchanan, William (1)	+ -
Carlson, Ryan (1)	+ -
Cole, Megan (1)	+ -
Collins, Chad (1)	+ -
Daire, Andrew (1)	+ -
Donaldson, Christine (1)	+ -
Elajami, Victoria R (1)	+ -
Elrick, Ashley (1)	+ -
Emmett, Melissa (1)	+ -
Fiore, Stephen (1)	+ -
Graham, Rita (1)	+ -
Hochstadt, Naomi (1)	+ -
Jones, Karyn (1)	+ -
Katt, James (1)	+ -
Kjosa, Madison (1)	+ -
Lower, Jamie (1)	+ -
McLane, Teryl (1)	+ -
Neuberger, Lindsay (1)	+ -
Nuru, Audra (1)	+ -
Parrish, Adam (1)	+ -

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