A Primer for Crisis Communication Theory: The Fusion of Theory and Practice

— —

Finn Frandsen (Aarhus University, Denmark) W. Timothy Coombs (Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications)

A Primer for Crisis Communication Theory

The Fusion of Theory and Practice

Finn Frandsen (Aarhus University, Denmark), W. Timothy Coombs (Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications), Winni Johansen (Aarhus University, Denmark)

$83.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Routledge
04 August 2025

Communication studies; History: specific events & topics; Public relations; Human geography; Natural disasters

Guided by a belief that good crisis communication theory should inform and improve practice, this book makes a wide range of theories utilized in crisis communication accessible to researchers, students, and practitioners.

The book begins with an extended discussion of applied theory, including the theory building process, to help the reader appreciate how theory can connect to the practice of crisis communication. This discussion is followed by chapters each explaining a theory and using an evidence-based approach to explore how that theory illuminates and applies to crisis communication practice. The array of theories includes those that are descriptive, prescriptive, and critical and cover the areas of public crises, political crises, and corporate crises.

This book is essential reading for advanced students of public relations and strategic communication and researchers in crisis and risk communication, with practical insights suitable for interested professionals.

By: Finn Frandsen (Aarhus University Denmark), W. Timothy Coombs (Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications), Winni Johansen (Aarhus University, Denmark)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9781032745794
ISBN 10: 1032745797
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 04 August 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Preface Chapter 1 Introduction to and Overview of Theory Risk Communication Section Chapter 2 Protective Action Decision Model Chapter 3 Social Amplification of Risk Chapter 4 Covello Chapter 5 Anger Activism Chapter 6 Extended Parallel Process Model Chapter 7 Warning Response Model Crisis Communication Section Chapter 8 Corporate Apologia Chapter 9 Image Restoration/Repair Theory Chapter 10 Situational Crisis Communication Theory Chapter 11 Stealing Thunder Chapter 12 Integrated Crisis Mapping Chapter 13 Threat Assessment Chapter 14 Social-Mediated Crisis Communication Chapter 15 Paracrisis Chapter 16 Rhetorical Arena Theory Chapter 17 Focusing Event Chapter 18 Crisis Exploitation General Theories Relevant to Crisis Communication Chapter 19 Stress Inoculation Theory Chapter 20 Communication Theory of Resilience Chapter 21 Concluding Remarks and Observations Index

Finn Frandsen is Professor of Corporate Communication and Crisis Management in the Department of Management, Aarhus University, Denmark. W. Timothy Coombs is an advisor for the Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications. His primary area of research and consulting is crisis communication. Winni Johansen is Professor of Corporate Communication and Crisis Management in the Department of Management, Aarhus University, Denmark.

Reviews for A Primer for Crisis Communication Theory: The Fusion of Theory and Practice

“This is the book scholars and practitioners have been waiting for. The essential theories, across risk communication, crisis communication, and other relevant areas, are infused with practical insights and actionable takeaways based on empirical evidence. This volume is a model for translational research that advances crisis research, practice and education.” Yan Jin, C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership, Director and Co-Founder of the Crisis Communication Think Tank, University of Georgia, USA. “For those who are curious about the theory that drives the practice, this book is a gem. It stands out as one of the most comprehensive, yet easy-to-read, books on risk and crisis communication theory. A must-have for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the field.” Chiara Valentini, Professor, Head of the Discipline, JSBE- Jyväskylä School of Business and Economics, Jyväskylä, Finland.