Document Type
Article
Original Publication Date
2015
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Journal of Health Communication
Volume
20
Issue
6
DOI of Original Publication
10.1080/10810730.2015.1012245
Date of Submission
December 2015
Abstract
Substantial breast and cervical cancer disparities exist in the United States, particularly among African American women with low social economic status. There is considerable potential for discussions about cancer prevention between mothers and daughters. However, upward communication, from child to parent, remains a relatively novel research area, and it remains unclear how receptive mothers would be to messages from their daughter about cancer, a topic that may be considered culturally inappropriate for daughters to initiate. In this study, we simulated cancer message delivery to daughters and then conducted direct observation of daughters as they recalled and shared the message with their mother or female elder. We found that daughters were able to successfully recall and deliver a cancer appeal to their mother and mothers were generally receptive to this message. Not only did mothers listen to their daughters’ appeals, but also daughters’ knowledge of cancer was considerably improved by the opportunity to educate her female elder. Moreover, daughters’ nonverbal communication suggested a surprisingly relaxed demeanor. The potential of young people to impact the screening behavior of their female elders is very promising in terms of reducing cancer disparities.
Rights
MOSAVEL, M., & PORTS, K. A. (2015). Upward Communication About Cancer Screening—Adolescent Daughter to Mother. Journal of Health Communication, 20(6), 680–686. http://doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2015.1012245
Is Part Of
VCU Social and Behavioral Health Publications
Comments
Originally published at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2015.1012245