title: A Typology of Communication Dynamics in Families Living a Slow-Motion Technological Disaster.
abstract: With increasing numbers of communities harmed by exposures to toxic substances, greater understanding of the psychosocial consequences of these technological disasters is needed. One community living the consequences of a slow-motion technological disaster is Libby, Montana, where, for nearly 70 years, amphibole asbestos-contaminated vermiculite was mined and processed. Former mine employees and Libby area residents continue to cope with the health consequences of occupational and environmental asbestos exposure and with the psychosocial challenges accompanying chronic and often fatal asbestos-related diseases (ARD). Nine focus groups were conducted with Libby area residents. Transcripts were analyzed to explore patterns of family communication about ARD. The following five patterns emerged: Open/Supportive, Silent/Supportive, Open/Conflictual, Silent/Conflictual, and Silent/Denial. Open/Supportive communication included encouragement to be screened for ARD, information about ARD and related disaster topics, and emotional support for people with ARD. In contrast, communication patterns characterized by silence or conflict have the potential to hinder health-promoting communication and increase psychological distress.
authors: University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors: Heather
authors: H
authors: Orom
authors: Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
authors: Rebecca J W
authors: RJ
authors: Cline
authors: Center for Asbestos Related Disease, Libby, MT, USA.
authors: Tanis
authors: T
authors: Hernandez
authors: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Berry-Bobovski
authors: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA ; Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors: Ann G
authors: AG
authors: Schwartz
authors: Nevada Cancer Institute, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
authors: John C
authors: JC
authors: Ruckdeschel
keywords: asbestos; communication; environmental hazard; family; technological disaster
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