Dr. Lance Rintamaki's research focuses on the intersection of communication theory and health behavior outcomes. Rintamaki has a background in (a) communication and risky behaviors, with an emphasis on stigma management as antecedent to health behavior outcomes, and (b) stress and coping in chronic illness, with an emphasis on the forms, functions, provision, and effects of social support among both patients and care providers. More recently, he has been working heavily in the arena of sexual communication, covering science on biological, socio-cultural, and mediated variables that affect sexual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. This work includes the dynamics of social attraction and communication between sexual partners, such as shared decision-making, sexual negotiation, and deception.

Educational Background

• Postdoctoral Training, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine        
• PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• MA, Ball State University
• BA, Michigan State University

Selected Publications

(* signifies co-authorship with student)

*Szatkowski, H., Peek, D. M., & Rintamaki, L. S. (in press). Our hearts are like boats: Using metaphor to make complex information understandable to patients. In A. Du Pre & E. Berlin­Ray, (Eds.), Real­life scenarios: A case study perspective on health communication. New York: Oxford.

*Brashers, D. E., Rintamaki, L. S., Basinger, E.d., Para, M., & Caughglin, J. P. (2017). Taking Control: The Efficacy and Durability of a Peer­Led Uncertainty Management Intervention for People Recently Diagnosed with HIV. Health Communication, 23, 11­21 (2010 ISI Impact Factor: 1.314).

*Reynolds ­Tylus, T., & Rintamaki, L. S., (2015). Strategic use of the Health Belief Model incrafting messages that promote condom use. In C. Noland (Ed.), Contemporary Studies of Sexuality and Communication, (pp. 389­404). New York: Kendall/Hunt.

*Kosenko, K., Rintamaki, L., & Manness, K. (2015). Patient­centered communication: The experiences of transgender adults. In L. Spencer & J. Capuzza (Eds.), Transgender communication studies: Histories, trends, and trajectories, (pp. 224­251). Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.

*Karras, E., Peek, D. M., & Rintamaki, L. S., (2015). Hearing doctor, Deaf pateint: A matter of time, pressure, and pain. In M. Brann (Ed.), Contemporary Issues in Health Communication: Theoretical and Practical Case Studies, second edition (pp. 113­128). New York: Kendall/Hunt.

*McCracken, B., Rintamaki, L. S., & Peek, D. M. (2015). Breaking bad news: The challenges and significance of the most delicate provider­patient communication. In M. Brann (Eds.), Contemporary Issues in Health Communication: Theoretical and Practical Case Studies, 2nd edition (pp. 35­46). New York: Kendall/Hunt.

*Akey, J., Rintamaki, L. S., & Kane, T. (2014). Optimal social supportive practices for healthcare professionals who treat patients managing eating disorders. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 145, 246­252. (2010 ISI Impact Factor: 1.682)

*Khalil, G., & Rintamaki, L. S. (2014). A televised entertainment­education drama to promote positive discussion of organ donation. Health Education Research, 29, 284­296.

Rintamaki, L. S., & Yang, J. Z. (2014). Advancing the Extended Parallel Process Model: The added value of response cost measures. Journal of Health Communication, 19, 759­774. (2010 ISI Impact Factor: 1.5)

*Akey, J., Chiu, I., Shin, L., Kane, T., & Rintamaki, L. S. (2014). Optimizing social support efforts from friends and family of people coping with eating disorders. In M Eaves (Ed.), Applications in Health Communication: Emerging trends, (pp. 160­174). New York: Kendall/Hunt.