About the author
Bryan B. Whaley (Ph.D., Purdue University) is Professor of Communication at University of San Francisco. His research concerns linguistic variables and message design related to interpersonal messages in health contexts, illness explanation and health-related information. He has published in such research outlets as Human Communication Research, Communication & Cognition, Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, Journal of Language and Social Psychology, Health Communication, Political Communication, Personal Relationships, Argumentation, and Journal of Diabetes Nursing. His edited books include: Explaining Illness: Research, Theory, and Strategies; Explaining Communication: Contemporary Theories and Exemplars (with Wendy Samter); and Research Methods in Health Communication.