Mapping Communications to Promote Happiness, Well-being, and Health
Dr. K. “Vish” Viswanath will undertake a rigorous exploration of the role of health communications in influencing physical and psychosocial well-being, in a three-phased approach, with the goal of building an evidence base and informing effective communication interventions.
In phase one, Dr. Viswanath’s team intends to investigate current evidence on how communications in various forms and platforms contribute to well-being, resilience, health, and happiness. For example, preliminary data show that frequent exposure to certain types of media and programs can lead to negative emotions such as fear of victimization. On the other hand, developments in new information and communication technologies, such as social media, can be harnessed to promote social cohesion, a sense of belonging, purposefulness, and positive well-being.
In phase two, the team intends to conduct primary research to collect data in different sites globally.
In phase three, the team will develop and test models to disseminate results from the Center’s research to important stakeholders (including community organizations and public health institutions) through a variety of means, such as policy briefs, the submission of articles for publication in academic journals, and a symposium to share lessons learned and discuss action plans.