A Typology of Communication Dynamics in Families Living a Slow-Motion Technological Disaster

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 yea...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of family issues 2012-10, Vol.33 (10), p.1299-1323
Main Authors: Orom, Heather, Cline, Rebecca J. W., Hernandez, Tanis, Berry-Bobovski, Lisa, Schwartz, Ann G., Ruckdeschel, John C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult Education
Asbestos
Communication
Communication (Thought Transfer)
Community
Conflict
Coping
Defense Mechanisms
Disasters
Diseases
Employees
Environment
Environmental Education
Families & family life
Family (Sociological Unit)
Family Relations
Family Relationship
Focus Groups
Health Education
Health promotion
Human exposure
Interpersonal Communication
Montana
Psychological Distress
Silence
Toxic Substances
Typology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:0192-513X
1552-5481
DOI:10.1177/0192513X11430821