William E. Arnold

HEALTH PROMOTING BEHAVIORS OF OLDER AMERICANS VERSUS YOUNG AND MIDDLE AGED ADULTS

Health promoting behaviors have become increasingly important as Americans attempt to retain their youth and health. This study collected self-reported data from 559 participants in the Southwest United States using the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II to compare the health promoting behaviors of older adults (60–92 years), middle-aged adults (40–59 years), and younger adults (18–39 years). Results indicate that older adults engage in more nutrition and health responsibility behaviors and score highest in the broad range of health promoting behaviors assessed. Results suggest that gerontologists may benefit programmatically from identifying factors associated with those older adults who more frequently engage in health behaviors.

The Influence of Perceived Supervisor Listening Behavior on Employee Commitment

Abstract This study seeks to examine the influence of perceived supervisor listening on employee commitment in an organization. Research suggests that in todays organizations managers spend the largest percentage of their time listening, followed by speaking, reading, and writing. Although training addresses speaking and public presentations, interpreting technical reports, and instruction in technical writing, little has been done to either research or train listening skills. Listening research has primarily focused on listening measurements and assessment (see Rhodes, Watson & Barker, 1990), and identification of specific behaviors associated with listening (see Lobdell & Gluc, 1990). Few studies have examined listening in the organizational setting (see Husband, Cooper, & Monsour, 1988; Husband, Schenck, & Cooper, 1988). A study by Husband, Cooper, and Monsour (1988), explored the initial question of supervisors perceptions of their own listening behaviors in organizations. Further research by Husban...

Patient Perceptions of Patient-Physician Communication with Allopathic and Naturopathic Physicians

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess patient perceptions of physician competence, listening behavior and patient-centered communication using allopathic and naturopathic physicians. Results demonstrated the naturopathic physician was perceived as a more empathic listener than the allopathic physician. Naturopathic and allopathic physicians did not differ on technical communication competence. Patients believed that both types of physicians could be more patient-centered and more empathic with them. The ideal communication behavior was statistically different from the actual behavior on all measures.

Neuro Linguistic Programming and Listening Behavior

Abstract Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) was employed in this study to determine whether its application would enhance the listening skills of subjects. Messages based on NLP were presented to the subjects. The messages that were presented in the auditory format proved to be most persuasive for the recipients. These results supported the recommendations of previous research. Implications for further research are presented.

Perceptions of Empathic Messages and Message Sources

Abstract This article discusses the impact on perceptions of listening for three different empathic responses attributed to three sources—best friend, counselor and stranger. One hundred seventy-six subjects responded to a written dialogue. Results of the analysis of variance indicated that a best friend and stranger were viewed as more empathic than a counselor by respondents. A response which solicits more information was also perceived as more empathic than messages that reflected the speakers own problems or a marginal response. Implications are discussed.

Communication nets in two adjacent cities: A pilot study

The cities of Normal and Bloomington, Illinois, provide the locale for an analysis of communication within the two communities. An inadequate water supply in Normal is the focus of the study.