Language as Social Action Health Communication, Language, and across the Life Span

Three fundamental world views serve as the foundational bedrock of this book: The centrality of language to our understanding of human behavior; The uniqueness of the Health Context as environment that can produce impactful language associated with positive life outcomes; and the Life Span Developmental nature of human interaction. The language utilized within health communication encounters has a direct influence on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In many ways, the difficulties associated with efficient, effective, and competent communication within the health care context can be the major determinant of successful health outcomes. Further, while many of the interactional contexts within health are intergenerational, communication encounters are challenged by ageism and a lack of appropriate intergenerational communication skills. While it may seem obvious that the nature of human interaction is constantly changing as individuals develop throughout their lives, few theoretical or empirical investigators within the general disciplines of Communication, Language, and Social Psychology ground their research within a life span developmental perspective. This book addresses communication events within health care institutions from a theory-rich, methodologically varied, and social action/positive communication orientation. Chapters in this book examine interpersonal relationships, the social environment, and culture to develop beneficial communication practices for healthcare professionals, individuals, families, and communities.