Rachael A Hernandez
Communication
Interpersonal Health Communication
My research is currently focused on two areas of health communication.
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First, I seek to understand how individuals talk about sensitive health-related topics. To this end, my ongoing research projects explore communication about sensitive health topics between doctors and patients, within families, and in other close relationships. My research has focused on sensitive topics include sexual behavior, vaping, miscarriage, and substance use.
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Second, I focus on how macro- and micro-structures shape health communication, and consequently, health equity. Some of this research examines how the structures of medical education have the potential to foster implicit bias toward minoritized groups.
Upcoming projects
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a research study exploring intimate partner communication about urinary tract infections and sexual behavior.
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a study examining family communication about COVID-19 and parentification
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Bioethics
Bioethics intersects with my communication research in several ways. I am specifically interested diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly in the contexts of:
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the relationship between interpersonal communication and unconscious bias
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how micro- and macro- structures come to bear on health communication
