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Curriculum Vita University of Connecticut Department of Communication Sciences Storrs, CT
06269-1085 (860) 486-3687 Research Interests Interpersonal Communication, Family Communication, and Health Communication ·
Influence of family structure and/or relationship type
on communication (i.e., step-, half-, and full sibling relationships; nuclear, divorced,
remarried families, etc.) ·
Physiology/Biology/Genetics (as it relates to interpersonal
and family communication) ·
Marital dissolution and post-dissolution communication ·
Dark side of interpersonal (infidelity, jealousy, road rage, aggression, conflict) ·
Conflict management and negotiation (mediation, positive
and/or detrimental outcomes, developmental) ·
Nonverbal communication (affectionate communication,
attributions, romantic conflict) ·
Advancing theory guided research (various evolutionary theories,
biology theory, social learning theories, social exchange theory, systems theory). EDUCATION 2007 Doctor of Philosophy, Arizona State University, Hugh Downs School of Human Communication. 2001, May Bachelor of Arts, Human Communication, Magna Cum Laude. Dissertation: Sibling types: The influence of genetic
relatedness on adult sibling’ interactions. This
study explored adults’ perceptions of their interactions and experiences with
one of their siblings, particularly the extent to which sibling structure
(i.e., step-, half-, full) influenced affectionate communication, conflict
tactics, and relational quality in adult sibling relationships. An
evolutionary perspective, derived from “Darwinian logic” (i.e., Darwin’s
theory of natural selection and fitness), provided the theoretical framework
for this research. Specifically, the
evolutionary approach explains sibling type differences as
a result of genetic relatedness differences. The study offers
some support for evolutionary reasoning for sibling relationship quality and
affectionate communication differences. Chair: Kory Floyd. Committee members: Paul Mongeau,
Scott Christopher. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 2007-Present Assistant Professor Department of Communication Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. 2001-2007 Graduate Teaching Assistant/Associate Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. RESEARCH Publications (by
date) Tafoya, M. A. (2007, May). Affectionate exchange: The salient nature of affectionate communication. Interpersonal Acceptance. Floyd, K., Mikkelson, A. C., Tafoya, M. A., Farinelli, L., La Valley, A. G., Judd, J., Davis, K. L., Haynes, M. T., & Wilson, J. (2007). Human affection exchange: XIV. Relational affection predicts resting heart rate and free cortisol secretion during acute stress. Behavioral Medicine, 32(4), 151-156. Floyd, K., Mikkelson, A. C., Tafoya, M. A., Farinelli,
L., La Valley, A. G., Judd, J., Haynes, M. T., Davis, K. L., & Wilson,
J. (2007). Human affection exchange: XIII.
Affectionate communication accelerates neuroendocrine
stress recovery. Health Communication, 22(2), 123-132. Tafoya, M. A.
& Spitzberg, B. H. (2007). Communicative Infidelity. In B.H. Spitzberg
& W. R. Cupach(Eds.). The Dark Side of Interpersonal
Communication (2nd ed.), pp.199-242. Sillars, A., Canary, D. J., & Tafoya, M. A. (2003). Communication conflict and the
quality of family relationships. In A.
L. Vangelisti (Ed.), Handbook of Family Communication.
Conference Papers
Tafoya, M. A. (2008, July). Sibling types: The influence of genetic relatedness on affectionate communication. Presented to International Association for Relationship Research, Providence, RI. (Competitively selected). Tafoya, M. A. & Mongeau, P. A. (2008, July). How a disability influences perceptions of first date goals: Wheelchairs, activity levels, and sex differences. Presented to International Association for Relationship Research, Providence, RI. (Competitively selected). Tafoya, M. A. (2008, July). Human affectionate exchange theory: Evidence of the benefits of communicating affection. Presented to International Society for Interpersonal Acceptance and Rejection, Crete, Greece. (Competitively selected). Tafoya, M. A. (2008, July). The influential role of genetic relatedness on siblings’ mutuality, criticism, and apathy. Presented to International Society for Interpersonal Acceptance and Rejection, Crete, Greece. (Competitively selected). Tafoya, M. A.
& Mongeau, P. A. (2007, November). How a
wheelchair influences initial interaction.
Presented to National Communication Association, Tafoya, M. A. (2007, November). Methods
for Studying Emotion in Interpersonal Communication. Presented to National Communication
Association, Tafoya, M. A. (2007, February). The dark side of sibling interactions: Aggression and conflict. Presented to Western States Communication Association, Interpersonal Division, Seattle, WA. (Competitively selected).
Tafoya, M. A.
(2006, November). Children’s sibling relationships:
Further considerations of positive and negative displays. Presented to National Communication
Association, Floyd, K., Mikkelson, A. C., Tafoya, M. A., Farinelli, L., La Valley, A. G., Judd, J., Davis, K. L., Haynes, M. T., & Wilson, J. (2006, February). Human affection exchange: XIV. Relational affection predicts resting heart rate and free cortisol secretion during acute stress. Presented to Western States Communication Association, Palm Springs, CA. (Competitively selected). Mongeau, P. A., Williams, J., & Tafoya, M. A. (2006,
February). Challenges facing people with disabilities in initiating romantic
relationships: Establishing an agenda.
Presented to Western States Communication Association, Canary, D. J.
& Tafoya, M. A. (2005, November). Road rage as an interpersonal
communicative event. Presented to National
Communication Association, Floyd, K., Mikkelson, A. C., Tafoya, M. A., Farinelli,
L., La Valley, A. G., Judd, J., Haynes, M. T., Davis, K. L., & Wilson, J.
A. (2005, November). Human affection exchange: XIII:
Affectionate communication accelerates neuroendocrine
stress recovery. Top Paper to be
presented at National Communication Association, Interpersonal Division, Spitzberg, B. H. & Tafoya, M. A. (2005, November). Communicative
infidelity: Exploring extradyadic sexual activity as a message strategy. Presented to National Communication
Association Interpersonal Division, Spitzberg, B. H. & Tafoya, M. A. (2005, May). Further explorations in communicative infidelity: Jealousy, sociosexuality, And vengefulness. Presented to International Communication Association, Interpersonal Division, NY. (Competitively selected). Bates, C.,
Tafoya, M. A., & Wilson, E. (2005,
February). Interactive management as an adaptive
strategy in facilitation workshops. Presented
to Western States Communication Association, Bates, C.,
Tafoya, M. A., & Wilson, E. (2004,
November). Reflections: An interactive approach to identifying and understanding
the challenges in fostering a learning community that values and promotes
diversity. Presented to National Communication Association, Tafoya, M. (2004, February). Aggression,
jealousy and integrative behaviors with sibling relationships. Presented to Western States Communication
Association, Roundtable
discussion. Floyd, K., & Tafoya,
M. (2003, November). Stepfamily
dyads in evolutionary perspective.
Presented to Western States Communication Association, Tafoya, M. (2003, February). Relationships
are about giving and giving is about relationships: A demonstration of relational giving in Erickson, E.
L., Canary, D. J., Tafoya, M. A., & Bachman, G. F. (2002, November). An
observational analysis of attachment styles, partner behavior, and conflict
interaction. Presented to National Communication Association, Manuscripts in Progress/Under Review Tafoya, M. A. & Mongeau, P. A. (Currently underway). How a disability influences perceptions of first date goals: Wheelchairs, activity levels, and sex differences. Presently writing up the results for journal submission Tafoya, M. A.
& Mongeau, P. A. (Under review). How a
wheelchair influences initial interaction.
Tafoya, M. A. (Currently underway). Sibling types: The influence of genetic relatedness on affectionate communication. Study is complete and in the final editing stage. Tafoya, M. A. (Currently Underway). The influential role of genetic relatedness on siblings’ mutuality, criticism, and apathy. Study is complete and in the final editing stage. Current/Ongoing
Research Projects Spitzberg, B., & Tafoya, M. A. (currently
underway). Study three examining
communicative infidelity: Testing and
validating a communicative infidelity measure. Collecting data. Tafoya,
M.A. (Ongoing). Sibling
interactions: The sibling relationship
across age and relationship type. Canary, D. J. & Tafoya, M. A. (Complete). Creating a measure of road rage. This research project is the second study of a four part study examining road rage behaviors. Study 2 is complete and waiting for the final two studies to finish. Research Grants Submitted 2007 Tafoya, M. A. (PI), Buck, R. W. (Co-PI), & VanLear, C. I. (Co-PI). Proposal for major research equipment, “Provost's Research Equipment Competition Grant”, University of Connecticut. (Total costs requested: $108,000, unfunded submission). 2005 Williams, J. (PI), Tafoya, M. A. (Co-PI), & Mongeau, P.A. (Co-PI). proposal for a study to examine Disability and dating: Women in wheelchairs, The Feminist Review Trust. (Total costs requested: $1,800, unfunded submission). SERVICE Editorial Service 2002-2005 Editorial Assistant, Western Journal of Communication, Daniel J. Canary, Editor. 2007 Reviewer, Journal of Family Communication. 2006 Reviewer, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. 2008 Reviewer (paper reader), National Communication Association, Interpersonal Division, San Diego, CA. (elected). 2008 Reviewer (paper reader), Western States Communication Association, Interpersonal Division, Boulder, CO. (elected). 2007 Reviewer (paper reader), Western States Communication Association, Interpersonal Division, Seattle, WA. (elected). University/Departmental Service 2007-present Outreach committee, Department of Communication Sciences,
University of Connecticut 2008 Chair,
Orientation Committee, Department of Communication Sciences, University
of Connecticut 2008 Faculty
Advisor, Communication Graduate Student Association, Department of
Communication Sciences, University of Connecticut Professional Service 2004-2005 Secretary, Western States Communication Association, Interpersonal Division. (elected). 2008 Legislative Assembly Representative, National Communication Association, San Diego, CA. 2008 Respondent, Momma Drama: Mothers, Daughters, and Conflict, National Communication Association, Interpersonal and Ethnography Division, San Diego, CA. 2008 Respondent, Relational Transgressions and Challenges, Western States Communication Association, Interpersonal Division, Boulder, CO. 2007 Panel Chair, Evaluating perceptions of interpersonal communication effectiveness, Western States Communication Association, Interpersonal Division, Seattle, WA.. 2006 Panel Chair, Sexual interaction and interpersonal communication, National Communication Association, Interpersonal Communication Division, San Antonio, TX. 2006 Panel Chair, The sibling relationship: Emotion, maintenance, and outcomes, National Communication Association, Family Communication Division, San Antonio, TX. 2006 Panel Chair, Communication, illness, disability, and
relationships, Western States Communication Association, Health and
Interpersonal Communication Divisions, Palm Springs, CA. 2005 Panel Chair, Creating and maintaining diverse
relationship types: Online, offline,
and long distance, Western States Communication Association,
Interpersonal Division, 2003 Panel Chair, Current Family Research, National Communication Association, Family Division, Miami, FL. 2003 Panel Chair, Difficult situations and difficult relationships in family communication, Western States Communication Association, Interpersonal Division, Salt Lake City, UT. Community Service 2008 Keynote
Speaker, Exploring Body Image, University
of Connecticut, CLAS Odyssey Day Event, Storrs, CT. 2006 Sole Facilitator, Teen forum for girls: Exploring self-esteem and body image, Fiesta Mall and Westcor, Mesa, AZ. 2003-2005 Co-Facilitator and Sole Facilitator, Exploring Women’s Identity, Intergroup Relations Department, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. 2004 Communication Director, Cultural Diversity Conference, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. 2003 Public Relations Chair, Identity, identity conflict and hate crime: Implications for research, publication, training, and public policy, Hate Crime Conference, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. TEACHING AND
INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES Undergraduate Advisor Serve as an undergraduate advisor for the Department of Communication Science, University of Connecticut (35 to 40 students, annually) Courses Directed Interpersonal Communication (University of Connecticut) Supervised a multi-section course in interpersonal communication. Developed course syllabus, selected text and supplemental readings, provided example lectures, and dealt with student grievances. Courses Taught Instructor Interpersonal Communication Seminar: Theory and Research (graduate-level seminar, University of Connecticut) Introduces graduate students to the major theories, trends, and points of controversy in the social scientific study of interpersonal communication. Course is designed to facilitate understanding of the nature and function of theories in communication research, such as theory construction and evaluation, theory testing, and theoretical/metatheoretical issues. Course concentrates on critically analyzing and evaluating seminal and contemporary theories and research in interpersonal communication. Requires students to demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, compare, and evaluate relevant theoretical literature and ideas through discussions and written assignments. Students propose a theoretically-driven research study that includes a fully explicated literature review and testable hypotheses and/or research questions. Interpersonal Communication Theory and Research (senior-level course, Arizona State University) Advanced course that examines the predominant theories and
topics in interpersonal communication scholarship. Theories covered include social exchange, social penetration,
uncertainty reduction, and dialectics (among others). Research topics include
self-presentation, instrumental, and relational goals, relational escalation
and management, and dissolution. Provides students the opportunity to review
and critique theories and research from original source materials. Students
write a research proposal based upon an interpersonal theory. Relational
Communication (junior-level course, Arizona State University; University
of Connecticut) Course examines how communication functions in interpersonal relationships. Course content is multidisciplinary, with an emphasis on communication. The course is divided into four general sections (1) the nature of relational communication, (2) processes related to relationship initiation and development, (3) relational maintenance and satisfaction, and (4) coping with relational challenges. Students write a paper reviewing literature on a topic related to interpersonal communication. (Large lecture and small class). Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (freshman-level course, Chandler-Gilbert Community College) Introduces students to basic communication concepts and processes
that occur within the context of interpersonal relationships, such as those
with friends, coworkers, family members, and romantic partners. Course
includes activities to help students build their skills as competent
communicators. Conflict Management
and Negotiation (upper-division course, Arizona State University) Course emphasizes how people use communication to manage their interpersonal conflicts. Explores the complexities of the nature of conflict and forces that make conflict challenging. Students learn strategies for managing conflict more effectively in a variety of interpersonal relationships and contexts. Family Communication
(senior-level course, Arizona State University) Course
provides a survey of major research topics, paradigms, and theories in family
communication. Content focuses on several elements of family communication,
including definitions of the family, family theories, legal and religious
messages about the family, family rules, stories, and secrets, and communication
in various family subsystems. Requires students to conduct, and present, an
original research study related to family communication. Empirical
Research Methods in Communication (upper-division course, Arizona State
University) Focuses on empirical
research methods used to study human communication, including experimental
research design, observational methods, and questionnaire construction. Provides students with a working knowledge of inquiry
methods and develop preliminary research skills. Introduces students
to basic statistics. Gender and Communication (upper-division course, Arizona State University) This course
examines how communication influences, and is influenced by, one’s sex, gender,
and sexuality. Topics include sex/gender as it relates to communication
processes, development, identity, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, organizational
contexts, and society. The course combines readings, discussion, lecture, video
and film, research, and critical analysis. Nonverbal
Communication (upper-division course, Arizona State University) Designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of nonverbal communication. Course focuses on the codes (e.g., kinesics, proxemics, haptics) and functions (e.g., forming and managing impressions, expressing emotion) of nonverbal communication. Course emphasizes both empirical research on nonverbal behavior and its practical application in such areas as deception, job interviewing, family communication, and doctor-patient interaction. Communication in the Electronic Age (upper-division online course, Arizona State University) Course examines
how internet and information technology systems impact
and influence one’s daily life. The course focuses on how the new
communication media influences our communication processes and interactions
with other. Public Speaking (lower-division
course, Arizona State University) General education course that focuses on the practice and theory of public speaking. Course is designed to improve students’ ability to construct and deliver speeches effectively, as well as critically evaluate speeches of others. Teaching Assistant Advanced Topics in Family Communication (graduate-level course, Arizona State University) Introduces graduates students to a broad range of topics pertinent to understanding family communication, such as family health, violence/spousal abuse, families and aging, stepfamilies, intimacy, and work/family balance. Emphasis is placed on critical appraisal of family communication theories and research. Responsible for participating with the professor in facilitating and leading course discussions, creating course projects and materials, and being available to meet with graduate students to discuss course materials and/or projects. Introduction to Human Communication (freshman-level course, Arizona State University) Introduces students to basic theories, concepts, principles, and contexts of human communication. Course covers a number of research areas within the field of human communication, including interpersonal, organizational, intercultural, small group, rhetorical, public speaking, mass communication and performance studies.* Interpersonal
Communication (junior-level course, Arizona State University) Course provides a survey of major research in the area of interpersonal communication. Students learn about how communication functions in interpersonal relationships, including relationship development, relational maintenance, and conflict. Taught as a large-lecture course (approximately 100 students).* Conflict Management
and Negotiation (upper-division course, Arizona State University) Course emphasizes how people use communication to manage their interpersonal conflicts. Course provides an overview of the nature of conflict and the various ways communication functions in conflict management across different types of relationships and contexts. Taught as a large-lecture course (approximately 100 students).* *Responsible for some lectures, grading papers, inputting grades, and assisting students.* Guest Lecture/Speaker Family Communication Research. Presented to Introduction to Human Communication students, Arizona State University, Summer, 2002. Family Communication Research. Presented to Interpersonal Communication students, Arizona State University, Fall, 2002; Spring, 2003. Interpersonal Communication Research. Presented to Introduction to Human Communication students, Phoenix College, Fall, 2002. Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences, Presented to English students, Arizona State University, Spring, 2005. AWARDS 2005-2007 Graduate Student Chancellors List 2005 Top Paper Award, National Communication Association, Interpersonal Division for Human affection exchange: XIII: Affectionate communication accelerates neuroendocrine stress recovery. (with Floyd, K., Mikkelson, A. C., Tafoya, M. A., Farinelli, L., La Valley, A. G., Judd, J., Haynes, M. T., Davis, K. L., & Wilson, J. A.). 2004-2005 Kelly Maxwell Outstanding Graduate Student Award 2004-2005 Preparing Future Faculty Award 2004 National International Student Association Award PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS International Association of Relationship Research, 2007-present International Society for Interpersonal Acceptance and Rejection, 2007-present National Communication Association, 2002-present Western Communication Association, 2003-present International Communication Association, 2005-2006 Preparing Future Faculty (PFF), 2004-2005 References (available upon request) Kory Floyd, Paul Mongeau, Arizona State University, Paul.Mongeau@asu.edu Laura Guerrero, Brian Spitzberg, Vince Waldron, Arizona State University West, Vincent.Waldron@asu.edu Carl Coelho,
University of Connecticut, Carl.Coelho@uconn.edu |