title: Managing multiple goals in supportive interactions: using a normative theoretical approach to explain social support as uncertainty management for organ transplant patients.
abstract: In this study, we used a normative theoretical perspective to examine the relationship between uncertainty management and support in the lives of organ transplant patients. We conducted in-depth interviews with 8 pretransplant and 30 posttransplant patients, including individuals who were waiting for or had received a kidney, liver, heart, or pancreas. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach, which involved two levels of thematic analysis. Participants reported that others provide assistance in various ways, and that this social support entailed a number of challenges. Participants also described several strategies for handling these support dilemmas. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of support is related to how well multiple goals (including uncertainty-related goals) are managed in the supportive interaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication, University of Kentucky, 236 Grehan Building, Lexington, KY 40506, USA. Allison.Scott@uky.edu
authors.forename: Allison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Summer C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Dale E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Brashers
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012944:Social Support; D019737:Transplants; D035501:Uncertainty; D014850:Waiting Lists