Erin Donovan
Research Interests

My area of expertise is Interpersonal Health Communication. My research addresses how people engage in interpersonal information management behaviors (e.g., disclosure, avoidance, information seeking, exchange of support) when they are coping with situations that are characterized by stress, illness, and uncertainty. This line of work emphasizes how communication patterns are associated with physical, mental, and relational well-being. The research problems that motivate me are framed by underlying theoretical assumptions about goals, identity, and communication competence. In essence, I care about how people cope with health stressors through communication.

Current projects I am leading include (a) reviews and analyses of interpersonal communication behaviors and outcomes among people coping with cancer and (b) evaluations of instructional interventions designed to teach communication skills to healthcare profession students. Current projects I am co-investigating address health literacy, patient-physician communication, and nonprofit health communication partnerships.