This investigation tested a theoretical model of communication behavior with specificFacebook friends, such that attitudes toward (a) online self-disclosure, and (b) online social connection, predict Facebook communication frequency and, in turn, relational closeness. Participants included both undergraduates and older adults. Results generally supported the model, with the interaction effect between self-disclosure and social connection directly predicting Facebook communication and indirectly predicting relational closeness. For both dependent variables, online social connection was a positive predictor at low and moderate levels of online self-disclosure, but high levels reduced the association to nonsignificance. One implication of these results was that high-warrant information may discourage those with social anxiety from social network site communication.

Research addressing the organ shortage in the USA has examined multiple factors influencing one's decision to become an organ donor. One of these research lines addresses media coverage of organ donation. The present investigation seeks to advance this research line by examining the association between organ donation media coverage and organ transplantation rates. A content analysis spanning January 1990 to December 2005 of three television networks reveals an overall positive association between coverage and transplantation rates. The implications of our findings are discussed along with recommendations for practitioners and advocates alike.

No abstract

This content analysis represents news coverage of organ donation from January 1990 to December 2005. Specifically, ABC, CBS, and NBC news broadcasts were examined to gain a greater understanding of organ donation coverage on TV. Overall this investigation revealed that organ donation received modest coverage (N = 1,507). Although the majority of coverage was positive, attention to the need for organs and the process of becoming a potential organ donor received modest exposure. In addition, non-living donor and living-donor donations received approximately equal coverage. Results are discussed with a focus on message design for practitioners and advocates of organ donation.