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Colin Hesse

Dr. Colin Hesse explores research related to the communication of affection, emotions, and the relationship between the way we communicate and build relationships and our mental and physical health. One of his primary research foci is the psychological trait of alexithymia, where individuals are relatively unable to understand and communicate emotions. Previous studies have examined the psychological, physiological, and relational consequences of alexithymia. Colin has also conducted multiple studies on the psychological and physiological health benefits of affectionate communication. His research has been published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Western Journal of Communication, Communication Studies, Southern Journal of Communication, Communication Quarterly, and Human Communication Research. He has also presented his work at multiple academic conferences (including two top-paper awards), coauthored several book chapters and one textbook, The Biology of Human Communication (2nd Ed.)

In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Colin Hesse has also served as a reviewer for Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Journal of Family Communication, and Communication Education. He served as the editorial assistant for Journal of Family Communication for two years. While attending Arizona State University, he was awarded the Jeannie Herberger Graduate Fellowship, recognizing the top doctoral program applicant.

Frequently Taught Courses
Com 3561 - Relational Communication
Com 4520 - Family Communication

Research Interests
Affection
physiology of communication
alexithymia
emotion
family communication

Selected Recent Publications
Pauley, P. M., & Hesse, C. (in press). The effects of social support, depression, and stress on drinking behaviors in a college student sample . Communication Studies .

Floyd, K., Hesse, C., & Pauley, P. M. (in press). Hug me, heal me: Affectionate communication and physical health. In M. J. Beatty, J. C. McCroskey, & K. Floyd (Eds.), Biological dimensions of communication: Perspectives, methods, and research . Cresskill, NJ: Hampton Press.

Mikkelson, A. C., & Hesse, C. (2009). Discussions of religion and relational messages: Differences between comfortable and uncomfortable interactions. Southern Journal of Communication, 74, 40-56.

Hesse, C., & Floyd, K. (2008). Affectionate experience mediates the effects of alexithymia on mental health and interpersonal relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 25, 793-810 .

Floyd, K., Mikkelson, A. C., & Hesse, C. (2007). The biology of human communication (2nd ed.). Florence, KY: Thomson Learning.

Colin Hesse

Assistant Professor

education: Arizona State University
email: hessecr@missouri.edu
office: 305 Switzler Hall
phone: 573-882-9868
focus area: Interpersonal Communication