title: The nature of communication work during cancer: advancing the theory of illness trajectories.
abstract: More theory development about interpersonal communication during cancer is needed so that scholarship can be advanced and practical applications of findings can be best disseminated and applied. We proposed an evidence-based extension to the theory of illness trajectories based on findings from a qualitative study of cancer survivors' (n = 40) experiences with communication. Grounding our analysis in respondents' descriptions of the demands, obligations, and preparatory activities involved in discussing their cancer, we theorized the construct of communication work, which focuses on the labor and resources devoted to managing talk during cancer and living with illness. Findings are discussed in terms of how this conceptualization presents new opportunities for research and practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Studies , University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, Austin, TX 78712, USA. edk@mail.utexas.edu
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Donovan-Kicken
authors.forename: Andrew C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Tollison
authors.forename: Elizabeth S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Goins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors; D055815:Young Adult