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Emily Langan Assistant Professor Friendships, Non-Verbal Behavior On faculty since 2005 M205 (630) 752-5070 emily.j.langan@wheaton.edu Education Ph.D., Arizona State University, Human Communication M.A., University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, Communication B.A., Wheaton College, Communication

Professional and Personal Interests

As a relational and communication theory researcher, I count myself fortunate to have trained with some of the very best in the discipline. As a student and now as an educator, I have been fascinated with close relationships.  To me, part of being created in the image of God means that we are designed to live interdependently with others. But, those relationships can be simultaneously joy-giving and challenging.  This tension draws me to the study of interpersonal and relational communication, nonverbal communication, communication theory, and persuasion & social influence. 

Academics are only one facet of my life; I find that my students and my research endeavors benefit from experiences outside the walls of the College. I frequently indulge my wanderlust--recent adventures include Europe and Thailand.  My family and close friends occupy high places on my list of priorities.  If I am at home, you would most likely find me rubber stamping, gardening, or watching a movie with my furry roommates (my cats, Ben and Jerry).

Courses Taught

Interpersonal Communication (COMM 221)
Personal Relationships (COMM 424)
Persuasion (COMM 363)
Family Communication (COMM 222)
Nonverbal Communication (COMM 424)
Human Communication Research (COMM 312)
Fundamentals of Oral Communication (COMM 201)
Public Speaking (COMM 101)

Membership in Professional Societies

Central States Communication Association (CSCA)
International Association for Relationship Research (IARR)
National Communication Association (NCA)
Religious Communication Association (RCA)

Research

A primary component of my research agenda investigates the intersection of relational maintenance and attachment theory within the context of friendships.  Like most complex systems, relationships take work to keep functioning; friendships are no different.  What strategic and routine actions do people take to sustain these intimate ties?  I am currently concentrating on friendships formed within temporary community, studying how camp friends of adolescents and later, as adults, endure.

Recent Publications and Presentations

Publications

McClish, G. & Langan, E. J. (2005). Instructor’s Manual and Test Bank for Griffin’s A First Look at Communication Theory (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Dindia, K., Timmerman, L., Gilbertson, J., Langan, E. J. & Sahlstein, E. (2004).  "The Function of Holiday Greetings in Maintaining Relationships." Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 21(5), 577-594.

Dainton, M., Zelley, E., & Langan, E. J. (2002). "Maintaining Friendships Across the Lifespan." In D. J. Canary & M. Dainton (Eds.), Maintaining Relationships Through Communication: Relational, Contextual, and Cultural Variations. Mahwah, NJ:  Lawrence Erlbaurn.

Langan, E. J. (1999). "Environmental Features in Theme Restaurants." In L. K.  Guerrero, J. A. Devito, & M. L. Hecht (Eds.), The Nonverbal Communication Reader: Classic and Contemporary Readings (pp. 255- 264). Prospect Heights, IL:  Waveland.

Trost, M. L., Langan, E. J., & Kellar-Guenther, Y. (1999). "Not Everyone Listens When 'Just Say No' ": Drug Resistance in Adolescence." Journal of Applied Communication Research, 27, 120-138.

Presentations

Langan, E. J. (2006). "Friendship and Attachment: A Failed Relationship?" Poster presented at the biannual meeting of the International Association for Relationship Research, Crete, Greece.

Griffin, E., & Langan, E. J. (2005). "Teaching the College Course in Communication Theory." Presentation at the annual meeting of the Central States Communication Association, Indianapolis, IN. 

Langan, E. J. (2004). "I to My Friends: Attachment and Maintenance Strategies in Young Adult Friendships." Paper presented at the biannual meeting of the International Association for Relationship Research, Madison, WI.

Langan, E. J. (2002). "Friends for Life: Friendship Across the Lifespan." Panel presentation at the annual meeting of the Western States Communication Association, Salt Lake City, UT.

Langan, E. J. (2001). "Why Do I Like You and How Do You Know: Interpersonal Attraction in Initial Interactions." Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Network of Personal Relationships, Prescott, AZ.