Thomas J. Socha

Positive Communication and Human Needs: A Review and Proposed Organizing Conceptual Framework

Drawing on research in positive psychology, this review examines emerging research on positive communication and proposes a new organizing conceptual framework using hierarchies of human needs. The conceptual framework draws on psychological and economic models of human needs to frame positive communication as message processes that facilitate human needs-satisfaction as contrasted to the dark side of communication as message processes that inhibit needs-satisfaction. The proposed conceptual framework expands the study of positive communication by calling attention to its vital role in assisting individuals, groups, and organizations to reach the heights of their potentialities. An agenda for future positive communication research is offered.

Reactions of African American Students to the George Zimmerman Trial: Co-Rumination and Thought Intrusions as Mediators

ABSTRACT We document how prior experiences with racism, sequentially mediated by co-rumination about racial problems with a friend and thought intrusions, are associated with negative reactions to a racially charged event—the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman and the subsequent trial and acquittal of Mr. Zimmerman. African Americans’ prior experiences with racial discrimination predicted more co-rumination about racial problems with a friend. In turn, co-rumination was associated with more thought intrusions about the trial, leading to more negative affect and less forgiveness for Zimmerman. Co-rumination about racism and worrisome thinking about high-profile race-related events may amplify concern about racism for a frequent target of racial discrimination, lowering the threshold for negative psychological reactions to racist acts (including acts of violence) that may happen to other African Americans or to oneself.