In this episode, host Dina Sargeant is joined by renowned communication expert Dr. Jennifer L. Bevan as they explore the impact of communication patterns on caregiving within families, including both elderly care and care for family members with disabilities. Listeners can expect to understand family communication better and gain practical strategies for navigating potential conflicts and improving relationships.
Meet Jennifer L. Bevan
Dr. Jennifer L. Bevan (B.A., M.A., University of Delaware, Ph.D.; University of Georgia) is a professor in the School of Communication. Dr. Jennifer’s research interests focus on the negotiation of difficult relational interactions, such as ongoing conflict, jealousy, family caregiving, and chronic illness, as well as related psychological and physical health correlations of these experiences. She teaches courses in interpersonal communication, communication theory, nonverbal communication, and conflict.
Dr. Jennifer’s publications include over 70 scholarly communication and biomedical articles and book chapters appearing in journals such as Human Communication Research, Communication Research, Social Science and Medicine, and Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. She was recognized in 2009 and 2016 as one of the most prolific and central scholars in the field of communication. She is also a former Valerie Scudder Award winner, which is Chapman University’s top faculty “all-around” award for teaching, research, and service.
Her first book, The Communication of Jealousy (published by Peter Lang in 2013), was awarded the 2014 Diamond Anniversary Book Award by the National Communication Association (NCA), the 2016 International Association for Relationship Research Book Award, the 2014 Gerald R. Miller Book Award by the Interpersonal Communication Division of NCA, and the 2013 Outstanding Book Award by NCA’s Communication and Social Cognition Division. Her dissertation received the 2003 Interpersonal Communication Division Dissertation Award from the International Communication Association.
Dr. Jennifer has also received numerous top-ranked paper awards in health and interpersonal communication at national and regional communication conventions. She currently serves on multiple communication and close relationship journal editorial boards and is a former editor of the journal Communication Reports, published by the Western States Communication Association.
About the episode
Dr. Jennifer goes beyond traditional views of caregiving and explores the nuances of communication patterns within families. She sheds light on how these patterns can impact relationships with elderly family members and individuals with disabilities.
By examining potential communication challenges that often arise, such as misinterpretation or heated arguments, Dr. Jennifer offers practical strategies to enhance healthier and more harmonious family dynamics. Throughout the episode, Dr. Jennifer explores research and shares real-life examples, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how communication patterns influence caregiving.
In conclusion
Key takeaways from this engaging conversation include the recognition of the influence of communication patterns on caregiving within families. By understanding and consciously shaping these patterns, listeners can significantly improve their relationships with elderly family members and individuals with disabilities.
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