Can We Talk? How Learning of an Invisible Illness Impacts Forecasted Relational Outcomes

Abstract

Extant communication research investigating illnesses highlights the importance of benefits garnered from established relationships, such as social support. Yet, less is known about how illness impacts the development of new relationships. Thus, two commonly researched pervasive illnesses were selected (HIV and cancer) to discover how they impact forecasted relational outcomes. Using predicted outcome value theory (Sunnafrank, 1986), a convenience sample (average age of less than 20) assessed POV judgments and anticipated communication (anticipated amount of communication, information seeking, and intimacy) of a hypothetical target. It was found that POV judgments were significantly lower for HIV+ targets compared to cancer stricken and healthy targets. Yet, in contrast to POV judgments, significantly more communication was anticipated with a cancer-stricken individual compared to a healthy individual. Implications for illness and POV research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Anticipated Communication
• Cancer
• First Impressions
• HIV
• Illness
• Information Seeking
• Intimacy
• Predicted Outcome Value

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 2007 meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Providence, Rhode Island. The authors wish to thank the editor and two anonymous reviewers for their helpful feedback.

Notes

∗Note. The POV judgment for HIV+ targets is significantly lower than both the cancer and healthy target POV judgment.

Note. Superscript a and c significantly differed from one another; b did not significantly differ from a or c.

∗p < .05.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sean M. Horan

Sean M. Horan (MA, Texas State University) is a doctoral student at West Virginia University

Matthew M. Martin

Matthew Martin (PhD, Kent State University) is a Professor and Department Chair.

Nicole Smith

Nicole Smith (MA, West Virginia University),

Meghan Schoo

Meghan Schoo (MA, West Virginia University),

Mary Eidsness

Mary Eidsness (MA, West Virginia University), and

Angela Johnson

Angela Johnson (MA, West Virginia University).