Examining Relational Communication: Exploring the Minister/Sick Person Relationship

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the relationship that exists between ministers and sick laity during a sick visitation, using the relational communication approach. The minister/sick person dyad was chosen for this study as it represents a new context in which to explore the relational dimension of control. Quantitative and qualitative methods were triangulated into the research design. The relational control coding scheme (RCCS) was operationalized for the quantitative method. Focus groups along with an interview and an observation were used for the qualitative method. Data analysis indicated that ministers and sick laity use more neutral symmetry (one across, one-across) movements of control in their interactions than other interact types. Content analysis indicated that sick laity seek an affirmation of hope in the interaction. These results were discussed in terms of implications of research in ministerial training and relational communication theory.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in Communication

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication

Year

1999

Author dc:creator

• Pace-Miller, Nancy

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kelly McNeilis

• Communication

Statement dc:rights

• © Nancy Pace-Miller

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/427

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1428