Background Nurses experience a constellation of negative outcomes such as lost productivity, base... more Background Nurses experience a constellation of negative outcomes such as lost productivity, based on their high levels of organizational stress. Following recommendations for best practices in health communication can dramatically improve the organizational climate for nurses and can have a significant effect on patient outcomes. In this study, we evaluate the impact of Communicative Restricted Organizational Stress (CROS) and effort-reward imbalance (ERI). Methods A mixed-methods approach was employed. A professional survey research vendor was contracted to obtain an appropriate national sample (N = 299) of working nurses in the United States of America. Participants completed an online closed-ended questionnaire for the quantitative portion of the study. Qualitative data were gathered from member-checking follow-up interviews. Results Results of the quantitative analysis indicated that nurses experience CROS, that these experiences are distressing, that CROS functions as an effor...
The present project utilized a mixed methods approach to examine how individuals use CMC to maint... more The present project utilized a mixed methods approach to examine how individuals use CMC to maintain proximal relationships. Nine different communication channels were examined concurrently to elucidate how frequently mediated relational maintenance is used and to examine what participants reported in terms of motives for use and avoidance of particular channels. Findings indicate that participants in proximal relationships are hyper-aware of the amount of intimacy implied by a particular communication channel and strategically engage channels to suit their needs. We propose that relationships will be difficult to maintain if people violate the implicit rules that appear to govern channel selection.
Previous studies have determined that the perception or receipt of social support is correlated w... more Previous studies have determined that the perception or receipt of social support is correlated with several health outcomes including enhanced immunocompetence. In comparison, fewer studies have examined the effects that the expression of social support has on individuals. Among those studies that have assessed the expression of support, most have examined the deleterious effects on personal health associated with providing long-term care for a partner with a serious illness. On the basis of affection exchange theory, the present study examined the hypothesis that, in non-distressed relationships, the expression of support is associated with immunological health. Thirty-nine healthy adults completed questionnaires designed to assess their levels of expressed and received social support. Afterward, all participants completed a blood draw to assess immunological outcomes. The expression of support was positively associated with six of eight immunological outcomes assessed. Additional analyses revealed that four of those relationships remained significant while controlling for the effects of received support. The results add to our understanding of the dyadic processes involved in the expression of social support and confirm affection exchange theory's assertion that the expression of support is beneficial to individuals' relational and physical health.
The purpose of the present project is to present a conceptually derived, six-item, interpersonal ... more The purpose of the present project is to present a conceptually derived, six-item, interpersonal liking measure (the IL-6) based on a cognitive evaluation of liking. Results from three studies with a total sample size of N = 1,959 indicate high reliabilities (ranging from .87 to .91) across studies. Results of confirmatory factor analyses are reported along with data supporting content, criterion, discriminant, and convergent validity. Results indicate that the IL-6 is both valid and reliable and is a short but effective means for accurately assessing interpersonal liking across various relational contexts.
Affection exchange theory and previous research suggest that affectionate behavior has stress-ame... more Affection exchange theory and previous research suggest that affectionate behavior has stress-ameliorating effects. On this basis, we hypothesized that increasing affectionate behavior would effect improvements in physical and psychological conditions known to be exacerbated by stress. This study tested this proposition by examining the effects of increased romantic kissing on blood lipids, perceived stress, depression, and relationship satisfaction. Fifty-two healthy adults who were in marital or cohabiting romantic relationships provided self-report data for psychological outcomes and blood samples for hematological tests, and were then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups for a 6-week trial. Those in the experimental group were instructed to increase the frequency of romantic kissing in their relationships; those in the control group received no such instructions. After 6 weeks, psychological and hematological tests were repeated. Relative to the control group, the experimental group experienced improvements in perceived stress, relationship satisfaction, and total serum cholesterol.
In this paper, we conceptualized a new organizational variable, Communicatively Restricted Organi... more In this paper, we conceptualized a new organizational variable, Communicatively Restricted Organizational Stress (CROS). CROS is a perceived inability to communicate about a particular stressor and functions to exacerbate negative outcomes related to the appraisal of that stressor. To aid in our conceptualization, we reviewed extant literature on organizational stress and social support. We also collected open-ended data from a national sample of 354 workers. The responses to these questions lead us to specific themes about the nature and function of CROS. Finally, we proposed a conceptual conditional process model with two primary propositions: (a) An organizational member who reports high levels of CROS will experience negative outcomes, regardless of reported level of social support and (b) An organizational member who reports high levels of CROS will experience negative outcomes, regardless of the severity of the stressor.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Loneliness has been shown to have direct effects on one's personal well-being. Specifically, a gr... more Loneliness has been shown to have direct effects on one's personal well-being. Specifically, a greater feeling of loneliness is associated with negative mental health outcomes, negative health behaviors, and an increased likelihood of premature mortality. Using the neuroendocrine hypothesis, we expected social inclusion to predict decreases in both blood glucose levels and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and increases in high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Fifty-two healthy adults provided self-report data for social inclusion and blood samples for hematological tests. Results indicated that higher social inclusion predicted lower levels of blood glucose and LDL, but had no effect on HDL. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Affection exchange theory and previous research suggest that affectionate behavior has stress-ame... more Affection exchange theory and previous research suggest that affectionate behavior has stress-ameliorating effects. On this basis, we hypothesized that increasing affectionate behavior would effect improvements in physical and psychological conditions known to be exacerbated by stress. This study tested this proposition by examining the effects of increased romantic kissing on blood lipids, perceived stress, depression, and relationship satisfaction. Fifty-two healthy adults who were in marital or cohabiting romantic relationships provided self-report data for psychological outcomes and blood samples for hematological tests, and were then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups for a 6-week trial. Those in the experimental group were instructed to increase the frequency of romantic kissing in their relationships; those in the control group received no such instructions. After 6 weeks, psychological and hematological tests were repeated. Relative to the control group, the experimental group experienced improvements in perceived stress, relationship satisfaction, and total serum cholesterol.
A sample of 292 college students recalled a partner who had engaged in unwanted pursuit (46%) or ... more A sample of 292 college students recalled a partner who had engaged in unwanted pursuit (46%) or recalled their most recent “normal” dating relationship. Subjects rated their own level of stalking victimization and rated the partner on a series of personality characteristics and social competence. Unwanted pursuers were perceived as less socially competent, more histrionic, more borderline, and less obsessive-compulsive, with discrimination of “normals” from unwanted pursuers of approximately 75% to 80% accuracy. These attributions also significantly predicted a continuous measure of unwanted pursuit victimization (R = .406). Implications for developing more precise and practical risk profiles of unwanted pursuers are discussed.
In this paper, we conceptualized a new organizational variable, Communicatively Restricted Organi... more In this paper, we conceptualized a new organizational variable, Communicatively Restricted Organizational Stress (CROS). CROS is a perceived inability to communicate about a particular stressor and functions to exacerbate negative outcomes related to the appraisal of that stressor. To aid in our conceptualization, we reviewed extant literature on organizational stress and social support. We also collected open-ended data from a national sample of 354 workers. The responses to these questions lead us to specific themes about the nature and function of CROS. Finally, we proposed a conceptual conditional process model with two primary propositions: (a) An organizational member who reports high levels of CROS will experience negative outcomes, regardless of reported level of social support and (b) An organizational member who reports high levels of CROS will experience negative outcomes, regardless of the severity of the stressor.
In organizations, individuals seek the support of others to manage their day-to-day stress. Resea... more In organizations, individuals seek the support of others to manage their day-to-day stress. Researchers within a social support paradigm have found that individuals who have communicative outlets to discuss their stressors are healthier psychologically and physiologically. To the extent that those outlets are restricted, individuals may suffer the deleterious effects of stress. Therefore, this manuscript conceptualizes and explores one such stressor, the Communicatively-Restricted Organizational Stressor (CROS). Based on a sample of 405 organizational members, we identified the existence and explicated the nature of this stressor. Results were generally inconclusive. Discussion focused on significant findings and the need for better operationalization of this stressor. Implications and future directions explored the potential utility of this line of research.
Background Nurses experience a constellation of negative outcomes such as lost productivity, base... more Background Nurses experience a constellation of negative outcomes such as lost productivity, based on their high levels of organizational stress. Following recommendations for best practices in health communication can dramatically improve the organizational climate for nurses and can have a significant effect on patient outcomes. In this study, we evaluate the impact of Communicative Restricted Organizational Stress (CROS) and effort-reward imbalance (ERI). Methods A mixed-methods approach was employed. A professional survey research vendor was contracted to obtain an appropriate national sample (N = 299) of working nurses in the United States of America. Participants completed an online closed-ended questionnaire for the quantitative portion of the study. Qualitative data were gathered from member-checking follow-up interviews. Results Results of the quantitative analysis indicated that nurses experience CROS, that these experiences are distressing, that CROS functions as an effor...
The present project utilized a mixed methods approach to examine how individuals use CMC to maint... more The present project utilized a mixed methods approach to examine how individuals use CMC to maintain proximal relationships. Nine different communication channels were examined concurrently to elucidate how frequently mediated relational maintenance is used and to examine what participants reported in terms of motives for use and avoidance of particular channels. Findings indicate that participants in proximal relationships are hyper-aware of the amount of intimacy implied by a particular communication channel and strategically engage channels to suit their needs. We propose that relationships will be difficult to maintain if people violate the implicit rules that appear to govern channel selection.
Previous studies have determined that the perception or receipt of social support is correlated w... more Previous studies have determined that the perception or receipt of social support is correlated with several health outcomes including enhanced immunocompetence. In comparison, fewer studies have examined the effects that the expression of social support has on individuals. Among those studies that have assessed the expression of support, most have examined the deleterious effects on personal health associated with providing long-term care for a partner with a serious illness. On the basis of affection exchange theory, the present study examined the hypothesis that, in non-distressed relationships, the expression of support is associated with immunological health. Thirty-nine healthy adults completed questionnaires designed to assess their levels of expressed and received social support. Afterward, all participants completed a blood draw to assess immunological outcomes. The expression of support was positively associated with six of eight immunological outcomes assessed. Additional analyses revealed that four of those relationships remained significant while controlling for the effects of received support. The results add to our understanding of the dyadic processes involved in the expression of social support and confirm affection exchange theory's assertion that the expression of support is beneficial to individuals' relational and physical health.
The purpose of the present project is to present a conceptually derived, six-item, interpersonal ... more The purpose of the present project is to present a conceptually derived, six-item, interpersonal liking measure (the IL-6) based on a cognitive evaluation of liking. Results from three studies with a total sample size of N = 1,959 indicate high reliabilities (ranging from .87 to .91) across studies. Results of confirmatory factor analyses are reported along with data supporting content, criterion, discriminant, and convergent validity. Results indicate that the IL-6 is both valid and reliable and is a short but effective means for accurately assessing interpersonal liking across various relational contexts.
Affection exchange theory and previous research suggest that affectionate behavior has stress-ame... more Affection exchange theory and previous research suggest that affectionate behavior has stress-ameliorating effects. On this basis, we hypothesized that increasing affectionate behavior would effect improvements in physical and psychological conditions known to be exacerbated by stress. This study tested this proposition by examining the effects of increased romantic kissing on blood lipids, perceived stress, depression, and relationship satisfaction. Fifty-two healthy adults who were in marital or cohabiting romantic relationships provided self-report data for psychological outcomes and blood samples for hematological tests, and were then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups for a 6-week trial. Those in the experimental group were instructed to increase the frequency of romantic kissing in their relationships; those in the control group received no such instructions. After 6 weeks, psychological and hematological tests were repeated. Relative to the control group, the experimental group experienced improvements in perceived stress, relationship satisfaction, and total serum cholesterol.
In this paper, we conceptualized a new organizational variable, Communicatively Restricted Organi... more In this paper, we conceptualized a new organizational variable, Communicatively Restricted Organizational Stress (CROS). CROS is a perceived inability to communicate about a particular stressor and functions to exacerbate negative outcomes related to the appraisal of that stressor. To aid in our conceptualization, we reviewed extant literature on organizational stress and social support. We also collected open-ended data from a national sample of 354 workers. The responses to these questions lead us to specific themes about the nature and function of CROS. Finally, we proposed a conceptual conditional process model with two primary propositions: (a) An organizational member who reports high levels of CROS will experience negative outcomes, regardless of reported level of social support and (b) An organizational member who reports high levels of CROS will experience negative outcomes, regardless of the severity of the stressor.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Loneliness has been shown to have direct effects on one's personal well-being. Specifically, a gr... more Loneliness has been shown to have direct effects on one's personal well-being. Specifically, a greater feeling of loneliness is associated with negative mental health outcomes, negative health behaviors, and an increased likelihood of premature mortality. Using the neuroendocrine hypothesis, we expected social inclusion to predict decreases in both blood glucose levels and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and increases in high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Fifty-two healthy adults provided self-report data for social inclusion and blood samples for hematological tests. Results indicated that higher social inclusion predicted lower levels of blood glucose and LDL, but had no effect on HDL. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Affection exchange theory and previous research suggest that affectionate behavior has stress-ame... more Affection exchange theory and previous research suggest that affectionate behavior has stress-ameliorating effects. On this basis, we hypothesized that increasing affectionate behavior would effect improvements in physical and psychological conditions known to be exacerbated by stress. This study tested this proposition by examining the effects of increased romantic kissing on blood lipids, perceived stress, depression, and relationship satisfaction. Fifty-two healthy adults who were in marital or cohabiting romantic relationships provided self-report data for psychological outcomes and blood samples for hematological tests, and were then randomly assigned to experimental and control groups for a 6-week trial. Those in the experimental group were instructed to increase the frequency of romantic kissing in their relationships; those in the control group received no such instructions. After 6 weeks, psychological and hematological tests were repeated. Relative to the control group, the experimental group experienced improvements in perceived stress, relationship satisfaction, and total serum cholesterol.
A sample of 292 college students recalled a partner who had engaged in unwanted pursuit (46%) or ... more A sample of 292 college students recalled a partner who had engaged in unwanted pursuit (46%) or recalled their most recent “normal” dating relationship. Subjects rated their own level of stalking victimization and rated the partner on a series of personality characteristics and social competence. Unwanted pursuers were perceived as less socially competent, more histrionic, more borderline, and less obsessive-compulsive, with discrimination of “normals” from unwanted pursuers of approximately 75% to 80% accuracy. These attributions also significantly predicted a continuous measure of unwanted pursuit victimization (R = .406). Implications for developing more precise and practical risk profiles of unwanted pursuers are discussed.
In this paper, we conceptualized a new organizational variable, Communicatively Restricted Organi... more In this paper, we conceptualized a new organizational variable, Communicatively Restricted Organizational Stress (CROS). CROS is a perceived inability to communicate about a particular stressor and functions to exacerbate negative outcomes related to the appraisal of that stressor. To aid in our conceptualization, we reviewed extant literature on organizational stress and social support. We also collected open-ended data from a national sample of 354 workers. The responses to these questions lead us to specific themes about the nature and function of CROS. Finally, we proposed a conceptual conditional process model with two primary propositions: (a) An organizational member who reports high levels of CROS will experience negative outcomes, regardless of reported level of social support and (b) An organizational member who reports high levels of CROS will experience negative outcomes, regardless of the severity of the stressor.
In organizations, individuals seek the support of others to manage their day-to-day stress. Resea... more In organizations, individuals seek the support of others to manage their day-to-day stress. Researchers within a social support paradigm have found that individuals who have communicative outlets to discuss their stressors are healthier psychologically and physiologically. To the extent that those outlets are restricted, individuals may suffer the deleterious effects of stress. Therefore, this manuscript conceptualizes and explores one such stressor, the Communicatively-Restricted Organizational Stressor (CROS). Based on a sample of 405 organizational members, we identified the existence and explicated the nature of this stressor. Results were generally inconclusive. Discussion focused on significant findings and the need for better operationalization of this stressor. Implications and future directions explored the potential utility of this line of research.
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