Westminster College Professor Presents Two Papers at National Convention

Dr. Cary W. Horvath, assistant professor of communication studies at Westminster College, recently presented two papers at the 87th Annual National Communication Association Convention.

One paper, "Psychological Predictors of Television Addiction" revealed that people who are more apprehensive when communicating are more depressed, have negative perceptions of their own communication competence, and are more likely to report television addiction.

"Emotional Involvement with Crisis Coverage" reported the findings of a study conducted with 158 adult participants one week after the Sept. 11 tragic attacks. The study found that people relied primarily on the "big four" television networks for information. Results indicated that the primary emotions were sadness, shock and fear, and people watched television with others to be close and share the bond. Horvath co-authored this paper with Mary Step of Case Western Reserve University, and Peggy Finucane of John Carroll University.

While at the convention, Horvath was elected to serve on the nominating committee of the National Communication Association's Mass Media Interest Group.

Horvath earned her undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University, and her master's and Ph.D. from Kent State University.

For more information, contact Horvath at (724)946-7199 or e-mail horvatcw@westminster.edu.