Frances N. Huber

Bio: Frances N. Huber is an academic researcher from Pennsylvania State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Communication accommodation theory. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 2 publications receiving 136 citations.

Ageism and Ageist Language Across the Life Span: Intimate Relationships and Non-intimate Interactions

Abstract: The possible effects of ageist language and ageism on the structure and function of intimate and non-intimate relationships have received significant attention from social scientists. Recent research grounded in communication accommodation theory (Giles, Mulac, Bradac, & Johnson, 1987), the communication predicament model of ageing (Ryan, Giles, Bartolucci, & Henwood, 1986), the communication enhancement model of ageing (Ryan, Meredith, MacLean, & Orange, 1995), and ageing and stereotype research byHummert (1994)and colleagues (Hummert & Mazloff, 2001; Hummert, Shaner, & Garstka, 1995) point toward the numerous consequences of both negative and positive attitudes toward ageing. Focusing specifically on health care settings, this article reviews recent theoretical positions and empirical findings that link ageist language and ageism to these positive and negative social consequences, and offers pragmatic suggestions and directions for future research.

Parents' and Adolescents' Communication with Each Other About Divorce-Related Stressors and Its Impact on Their Ability to Cope Positively with the Divorce

Abstract: This study examined how custodial parents and adolescents communicate with each other about their divorce-related Stressors and how this communication impacts their own and the other person's ability to cope positively with the divorce. Interactions between 50 parents and adolescents about their divorce Stressors were coded with outside observers using Burgoon and Hale's (1987) Relational Communication Scale. The results revealed that parents' and children's ways of communicating (i.e., intimacy, receptiveness, depth, composure) about their stress were interdependent. The child's communication was also positively associated with his/her own ability to cope positively with the divorce. On the other hand, the parent's communication was inversely associated with the child's ability to cope with the divorce. Neither the child's communication nor the parent's communication impacted the parent's ability to cope positively with the divorce. These results also held true when the quality of the relationsh...

A conceptual analysis of Ageism

Abstract: Presently the research on ageism is marked by numerous more or less diffuse definitions of the concept of ageism. Many studies investigate both the causes and consequences of ageism without a clear...

Language and Aging

Abstract: Language in old age has been an active research area since early experimental investigations in cognitive aging (e.g., Craik & Masani, 1967; Riegel & Riegel, 1964). This is undoubtedly because of the profound importance of language throughout the lifespan not only in cognition, but in social interactions as well. Declines in language processing, such as increased difficulty in understanding spoken language or in producing a word while speaking, undermine older adults’ ability and desire to communicate, and can erode evaluation of their language competence by themselves and by others (e.g., Hummert, Garstka, Ryan, & Bonnesen, 2004; Ryan, See, Meneer, & Trovato, 1994). Negative self-appraisal promotes withdrawal from social interaction, and negative appraisal by others promotes their use of oversimplified speech to older adults (Hummert et al., 2004; Kemper, Finter-Urczyk, Ferrell, Harden, & Billington, 1998). This downward cycle highlights the practical significance of identifying patterns of change in language during adulthood and old age, especially since there is good news about aging in this research. The aging pattern is characterized by stability and improvement during adulthood in some language functions, unlike other cognitive abilities such as episodic or working memory which are characterized by quite uniform age-related decrements. Research on language processing has also played an important role in the development of theory in cognitive aging (e.g., Baltes, Staudinger, & Lindenberger, 1999; Burke, Mackay, & James, 2000; DeDe, Caplan, Kemptes, & Waters, 2004; Hasher, Lustig, & Zacks, in press; Kemper, 2006;

Structural Equation Models with Latent Variables

Abstract: Ressenya sobre la recerca actual en estadistica a Catalunya: resultats del grup d'investigacio catala "Structural Equation Models with Latent Variables"

Who Are You Calling Old? Negotiating Old Age Identity in the Elderly Consumption Ensemble

Abstract: As the elderly population increases, more family, friends, and paid service providers assist them with consumption activities in a group that the authors conceptualize as the elderly consumption ensemble (ECE). Interviews with members of eight ECEs demonstrate consumption in advanced age as a group phenomenon rather than an individual one, provide an account of how the practices and discourses of the ECE's division of consumption serve as a means of knowing someone is old and positioning him/her as an old subject, and detail strategies through which older consumers negotiate their age identity when it conflicts with this positioning. This research (1) illuminates ways in which consumer agency in identity construction is constrained in interpersonal interactions, (2) demonstrates old identity as implicated in consumption in relation to and distinction from physiological ability and old subject position, and (3) updates the final stages of the Family Life Cycle model.

Barriers to Social Participation among Lonely Older Adults: The Influence of Social Fears and Identity

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Loneliness among older adults is a major public health problem that may be associated with processes of social participation and identity. This study therefore sought to examine the relationship between social participation and identity in a sample of lonely older adults living independently in London, England. METHOD: An inductive qualitative approach, based on semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, was employed. RESULTS: Participants commonly spoke of barriers to social participation that have been reported elsewhere, including illness/disability, loss of contact with friends/relatives, lack of a supportive community, and lack of acceptable social opportunities. However, novel findings were also derived. In particular, participants commonly minimised the difficulties they faced alone, and described attempts to avoid social opportunities. These behaviours were linked to fears about engaging in social participation opportunities, including fears of social rejection and/or exploitation, and fears of losing valued aspects of identity. DISCUSSION: It is concluded that social participation amongst lonely older people will not improve through the removal of previously reported barriers alone; instead, older peoples’ beliefs, fears and identities must be addressed. Suggestions for implementing these findings within community organisations are provided.