Search

Aims and Objectives: This study seeks to identify the factors that shape the communication networks of men who face a potential diagnosis of prostate cancer, and how these factors relate to their disclosure about their changing health status., Background: Men facing a potential diagnosis of prostate cancer are in a challenging situation; the support benefits of disclosing their changing health status to others in their communication networks is set against a backdrop of the potential stigma and uncertainty of the diagnosis., Design: All men on a prostate biopsy waiting list were eligible for inclusion in an exploratory and interpretive study., Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 40 men explored their network structures and disclosure of health information. Thematic analysis highlighted the factors which contributed to their network structures and their disclosure about their health status., Results: Four network factors shaped men's perspectives about disclosing their health status: (1) tie strength, comprising both strong and weak ties; (2) knowledgeable others, with a focus on medical professionals in the family; (3) homophily, which included other individuals with a similar medical condition; and (4) geographical proximity, with a preference for face-to-face communication., Conclusion: Communication networks influence men's disclosure of their health status and in particular weak ties with medical knowledge have an important role. Men who use the potential for support in their networks may experience improved psychosocial outcomes., Relevance to Clinical Practice: Using these four network factors-tie strength, knowledgeable others, homophily or geographical proximity-to forecast men's willingness to disclose helps identify men who lack potential support and so are at risk of poor psychosocial health. Those with few strong ties or knowledgeable others in their networks may be in the at-risk cohort. The support provided in communication networks complements formal medical care from nurses and other health professionals, and encouraging patients to use their communication networks improves the psychosocial health of the men themselves, their partners and their families., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

This study draws on theories of identification and rhetorical criticism to explore how the organisation 42 Below communicates specific messages about its product and brand identity; that is, how language works to create an identity that is both distinctly New Zealand-based and at the same time resonates with international stakeholders. The research method was based on a form of rhetorical criticism known as generative analysis, and involved examination of a range of web-based texts including advertisements, news items, viral videos, and news releases. Our analysis of the language used by 42 Below to create its identity centres on five key themes: "Kiwi", rule-breaking, humour, being upmarket and successful, and story-telling. An upmarket and successful identity would not normally be considered compatible with a fairly rough sense of humour, open exploration of controversy and social taboos, and a casual tone. Yet in this example of how language works 42 Below has created a surprisingly successful corporate and organisational identity that represents a distinctively Kiwi, innovative, "No. 8 wire" way of doing business. Thus, intriguingly, the paper demonstrates how seemingly disparate identity characteristics can be brought together, and how breaching social and corporate communication norms can be a successful promotional strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the 2011 Australian and New Zealand Communication (ANZCA) conference to be held in Hamilton, New Zealand on July 6-8, 2011.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses the continued effort of the journal to provide a forum for communication scholars, practitioners, and teachers to share ideas about communication through a variety of media.