Dr. Laura R. Umphrey  

 

  

Associate Professor
Health Communication, Persuasion, Research Methods
928-523-0470
Laura.Umphrey@nau.edu
Personal web page 

Research and teaching interests

I enjoy teaching distance education courses so students around the world can complete their education from NAU. My research has focused on message framing effects but I am interested in how people negotiate grief and interact with others following loss.

Courses offered

Public Speaking
Business and Professional Speaking
Research Methods
Health Communication
Communication Theory
Persuasion
Communicating in Instructional Environments
Methods of Interviewing

Representative research and creative activity

Umphrey, L. & Cacciatore, J. (2011). Coping with the ultimate deprivation: Narrative themes in a parental bereavement support group. OMEGA: Journal of Death & Dying, 63(2), 141-160.

Umphrey, L. R. & Sherblom, J.C. (2007). Relational commitment and threats to interpersonal goals: Influences on condom use. Journal of American College Health.

Umphrey, L.R. (2004). Message defensiveness, efficacy and health-related behavioral intentions. Communication Research Reports, 21(4), 329-337.

Umphrey, L.R. (2003). The effects of message framing and message processing on testicular self-examination attitudes and perceived risk. Communication Research Reports, 20(2), 97-105.

Links of interest

International Communication Association 
National Communication Association 
Western States Communication Association 
Eastern Communication Association 
Health Communication Coalition 

Education

PhD, University of Arizona , 2001 (Communication; Minor: Public Health)
MA, University of Maine, 1994 (Speech Communication)
BA, University of Maine, 1992 (International Affairs/French) Study abroad: Aix-en-Provence, France (Spring, 1991)