2006 Impact Factor: 0.719
Ranking: 20/44 (Communication)
© Thomson ISI Journal Citation Reports 2007

The Journal of Applied Communication Research (JACR) publishes outstanding research that addresses the relationship between communication theory and practice. JACR is open to any applied communication context and methodological approach.

Kicking off 2007, JACR highlighted a Special Issue on the Atlantic Hurricane Season. In 2005, three major storms permanently affected the way of life for many, especially in New Orleans. Featured research focused on applied communication issues with hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and provided recommendations for how communication processes could be more effective in future disasters. Dennis Gouran (Penn State University) and Matthew W. Seeger (Wayne State University) were the guest editors for the special issue.

The May 2007 issue highlights new applied health communication literature.

Timothy Gibson's commentary “WARNING – The Existing Media System May Be Toxic to Your Health: Health Communication and the Politics of Media Reform” argues that health communication scholars should work with media reformers to transform the media system in ways that advance public health goals.  

This issue highlights new research by Dr. Lisa Sparks. In A patient-centered approach to breaking bad news: Communication guidelines for health care providers  Lisa Sparks*, Melinda M. Villagran, Jessica Parker-Raley, and Cory B. Cunningham examine strategies physicians use to deliver bad news to patients. This investigation underscores the importance of using effective communication strategies to achieve patient satisfaction and compliance.

Julian Scholl's manuscript, “The use of humor to promote patient-centered care” also looks at the use of humor as a means to promote patient centered care within a hospital unit designed to encourage therapeutic humor. Gill and Babrow's article To Hope or to Know: Coping with Uncertainty and Ambivalence in Women's Magazine Breast Cancer Articles applies problematic integration theory (Babrow, 1992, in press) in an interpretive analysis of all breast cancer articles appearing in 5 top-circulating women's magazines between the years 1997 and 2002.

Finally, Steven Rains's study examines the influence of anonymous sources on health websites on the perceptions and attitudes of information seekers in The Anonymity Effect: The Influence of Perceptions of Sources on Information Health Website.

Unless specifically indicated otherwise, articles in this journal have undergone rigorous peer review, including screening by the editor and review by at least two anonymous referees.

About the National Communication Association (NCA):

The National Communication Association is the world's largest professional association of scholars, educators, students and practitioners dedicated to studying and promoting effective and ethical communication. With more than 7,000 members representing every state in the U.S. and 25 other countries, NCA provides a wide variety of professional development opportunities, publishes and disseminates significant communication scholarship and advances the communication discipline through meaningful research, teaching, and service.

NCA provides:

• forums for professional interaction among members
• publishing outlets in NCA journals and special publications
• recognition of outstanding member achievements
• submit memberships based on common interests and concerns
• special projects to enhance effective and ethical communication in diverse communities and society at large
• opportunities for professional development and service
• a voice for the profession on timely issues affecting member and societal interests
• cooperative relationships with other disciplinary and interdisciplinary associations
• visibility for communication studies to a wide range of academic and public audience.

NCA members receive one NCA journal, a monthly newsletter and access to a variety of other services and resources with their membership. For more information about NCA or to join the association, visit www.natcom.org or call +1 202-464-4622.

* Dr. Lisa Sparks received her Ph.D. in communication from the University of Oklahoma and has been on the faculty at George Mason University since 1999. She is a highly regarded teacher-scholar whose published work spans more than 100 articles. She is currently editor of Communication Research Reports and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Applied Communication Research and Communication Quarterly.