Dr. Yan Jin

C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership; Professor of Public Relations; Director of Crisis Communication Think Tank; Associate Director of Center for Health & Risk Communication, Public Relations

About

Dr. Yan Jin teaches undergraduate Public Relations (PR), PR Research, PR Administration, AdPR Health, Crisis Communication, and PR Campaigns courses. She also teaches doctoral-level mass communication theory and graduate crisis communication and strategic conflict management courses. As a public relations scholar, Dr. Jin’s primary research programs are in the areas of crisis communication, strategic conflict management, and health risk communication, focusing on the role of emotions and social media in crisis and risk communication theory and application.

View Curriculum Vitae

Education

Ph.D., University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
M.A., University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
B.A., Peking University, Beijing, China

Research Interests and Activities

Dr. Jin’s work serves as a framework for crisis and risk communication in a rapidly evolving media landscape and amidst emotionally charged conflict situations, ranging from organizational crises to disasters and public health emergencies. Strategic communicators facing high-stake threats have an increasing need for evidence-based guidelines for crisis and risk information dissemination to address affected communities’ informational and emotional needs, to ensure safety and welfare of publics and organizations, and ultimately to build community resilience and aid crisis recovery. Dr. Jin’s research programs in crisis communication, conflict management, and health risk communication contribute to the advancement of strategic communication theory and provide insights for public relations practice.

Dr. Jin has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 30 book chapters. She is the lead-editor of the Routledge books  Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness: Integrating Public Relations Scholarship with Practice(2021) and Social Media and Crisis Communication  (2nd edition) (2022), as well as co-editor of Social Media and Crisis Communication (1st edition) (2017). Dr. Jin was named a Top 2 “Most Productive Scholar” in crisis communication research according to a 2014 refereed article in International Journal of Strategic Communication. She was also named a Top 27 “Most Cited Public Relations Author” according to a 2019 refereed article in  Journal of Public Relations Research,  as well as a Top 6 “Most Published Author” and Top 16 “Most Cited Author”  in Public Relations Review articles according to a 2021 refereed article in Public Relations Review. Recently, she was named a Top 6 “Most Published Author” in social media research in public relations scholarship (2010-2020) according to a 2022 refereed article in Public Relations Review. 

Dr. Jin has published in leading journals in the field, including Communication Research, Journal of Applied Communication Research, Journal of Public Relations Research, Public Relations Review, Public Relations Journal, Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, International Journal of Strategic Communication, Corporate Communication: An International Journal, Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, Health Communication, Journal of Health Communication, Vaccine, British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research, American Journal of Infection Control, Social Marketing Quarterly, and Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Her work has also been published in leading scholarly books, including The Handbook of Crisis Communication, SAGE Handbook of Public Relations, and New Media and Public Relations. 

Crisis Communication for Public Organizations: Examining Pakistan Railways’ Use of Information Technology and Social Media for Image Repair Yan Jin

Muhammad Ittefaq, Shafiq Ahmad and Yan Jin. (Forthcoming) “Crisis Communication for Public Organizations: Examining Pakistan Railways’ Use of Information Technology and Social Media for Image Repair.” Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management. Abstract: […]

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Annual Conference of the International Communication Association Charlotte Norsworthy Varnum, Yan Jin, Juan Meng, Michael Cacciatore, Hye Jin Yoon, Youngji Seo & Laurena Bernabo

Grady faculty and graduate student presentations and involvement at the Annual Conference of the International Communication Association (ICA) in Toronto, Canada, included:   Charlotte Varnum did a pre-conference presentation on, […]

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Pushing Hands and Buttons: The Effects of Corporate Social Issue Stance Communication and Online Comment (In)Civility on Publics’ Emotional and Behavioral Responses Wenqing Zhao and Yan Jin

Wenqing Zhao (PhD student), Xuerong Lu (PhD alum), Yan Jin, and Toni van der Meer. “Pushing Hands and Buttons: The Effects of Corporate Social Issue Stance Communication and Online Comment (In)Civility on Publics’ Emotional […]

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AI-driven Disinformation: A Framework for Organizational Preparation and Response Yan Jin

Elise Karinshak (undergraduate alum) and Yan Jin. (Forthcoming). “AI-driven Disinformation: A Framework for Organizational Preparation and Response“.  Journal of Communication Management. Abstract: Disinformation, false information designed with the intention to mislead, can significantly damage […]

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Effects of Risk Disclosure and Call to Action on Young Adults’ Responses to Dietary Supplement Advertising Wenqing Zhao and Yan Jin

Wenqing Zhao (PhD student), Yan Jin, and Elise Karinshak (undergraduate alum). (Forthcoming). “Effects of Risk Disclosure and Call to Action on Young Adults’ Responses to Dietary Supplement Advertising”. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing. […]

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Digital Crisis Communication Theory: Current Landscapes and Future Trajectories Yan Jin

Brooke Liu, Yan Jin, and Lucinda Austin (2023). “Digital Crisis Communication Theory: Current Landscapes and Future Trajectories.” In Public Relations Theory III: In the Age of Publics (Eds. Carl Botan and Erich Sommerfeldt). […]

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Capturing the Complexity and Dynamism of Decision Making in PR: The Contingency Theory of Strategic Conflict Management Yan Jin

Augustine Pang, Yan Jin, and Glen T. Cameron (2023). “Capturing the Complexity and Dynamism of Decision Making in PR: The Contingency Theory of Strategic Conflict Management.” In Public Relations Theory III: In […]

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The Best of Both Worlds: The Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) Approach to The Quest for Crisis Management Keystone Yan Jin

Yan Jin. (forthcoming), “The Best of Both Worlds: The Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) Approach to The Quest for Crisis Management Keystone,” Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management. Abstract: This […]

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Social Media Influencers, Emotional Flow, and Elevation Uplift Narrative Persuasion on Mental Health Prosocial Communication: A Media Psychophysiology Approach Yan Jin

Yen-I Lee (PhD Alum) [PI], Di Mu [Co-PI], Michaela Gearty (AdPR undergraduate researcher) [Co-PI], and Yan Jin [Co-PI]. “Social Media Influencers, Emotional Flow, and Elevation Uplift Narrative Persuasion on Mental Health Prosocial Communication: A Media […]

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How Motivation to Reduce Uncertainty Predicts COVID-19 Behavioral Responses: Strategic Health Communication Insights for Managing an Ongoing Pandemic Sung In Choi, Sungsu Kim & Yan Jin

Sungsu Kim (PhD alum), Sung In Choi (PhD candidate), Chiara Valentini, Mark Badham, and Yan Jin. (forthcoming). “How Motivation to Reduce Uncertainty Predicts COVID-19 Behavioral Responses: Strategic Health Communication Insights […]

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Leading Strategic Communication through Turbulent Times: How the Contingency Theory Advances Practice in the Management of Crises, Conflicts and Complex Public Relations Issues Yan Jin

Yan Jin and Augustine Pang [Chairs] (2023, May). Panel: “Leading Strategic Communication through Turbulent Times: How the Contingency Theory Advances Practice in the Management of Crises, Conflicts and Complex Public Relations […]

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There Is a Time for Everything in Organizational Corrective Communication: The Effects of Correction Placement Timing and Refutation Detail Level on Combating Crisis Misinformation Yan Jin

Xuerong Lu (PhD alum) and Yan Jin (2023, May). “There Is a Time for Everything in Organizational Corrective Communication: The Effects of Correction Placement Timing and Refutation Detail Level on Combating Crisis Misinformation.” […]

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ublic’s Health Information Consumption During a Prolonged Pandemic: The Competing Roles of Journalists and Digital Influencers and Their Effects in Combating Message Fatigue Sung In Choi and Yan Jin

Chiara Valentini, Elanor Colleoni, Yan Jin and Sung In Choi (PhD candidate) (2023, May). “Public’s Health Information Consumption During a Prolonged Pandemic: The Competing Roles of Journalists and Digital Influencers and Their Effects in […]

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How Hispanic and Latino Young Adults Respond to COVID-19 Crisis Information on Social Media: Opportunities of Overcoming Digital Inequality Threat to Public Health Karen Andrea Robayo Sanchez and Yan Jin

Karen Robayo Sanchez (PhD student), Yan Jin, and Vivian Medina-Messner (2023, March). “How Hispanic and Latino Young Adults Respond to COVID-19 Crisis Information on Social Media: Opportunities of Overcoming Digital Inequality Threat […]

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The Contingency Theory of Strategic Conflict Management: Review from Three Decades of Theory Development, Extension and Application Yan Jin

Augustine Pang, Yan Jin, and Glen T. Cameron. (Forthcoming). “The Contingency Theory of Strategic Conflict Management: Review from Three Decades of Theory Development, Extension and Application.” Journalism and Communication Monographs. Abstract: The […]

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Effects of Individuals’ Cultural Orientations and Trust in Government Health Communication Sources on Behavioral Intentions During a Pandemic: A Cross-Country Study Sung In Choi, Sungsu Kim & Yan Jin

Sung In Choi (PhD candidate), Sungsu Kim (PhD alum), Yan Jin, Chiara Valentini, Mark Badham, Elanor Colleoni, and Stefania Romenti (In press). “Effects of Individuals’ Cultural Orientations and Trust in […]

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Understanding crisis narratives with large-scale Twitter data: The role of celebrity and emotions in the virality of #MeToo social media activism messages Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Xuerong Lu (PhD Alum), Yen-I Lee (PhD Alum), and Yan Jin. (Forthcoming). “Understanding crisis narratives with large-scale Twitter data: The role of celebrity and emotions in the virality of #MeToo […]

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Factors Influencing Americans’ Preventive Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons for Strategic Health and Risk Communicators Sung In Choi and Yan Jin

Sung In Choi (PhD student), Yan Jin, and Mark Badham. (forthcoming). “Factors Influencing Americans’ Preventive Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons for Strategic Health and Risk Communicators.” Strategic Communication in a Global Crisis: National and […]

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Integrating Strategy and Dosage: A New Conceptual Formula for Overcoming Unintended Effects in Public Health Crisis Communication (PHCC) Xuerong Lu and Yan Jin

Xuerong Lu (PhD alum) and Yan Jin. (forthcoming). “Integrating Strategy and Dosage: A New Conceptual Formula for Overcoming Unintended Effects in Public Health Crisis Communication (PHCC).” The Handbook of Crisis Communication (2nd edition) (Eds. W. T. […]

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Social-Mediated Crisis Communication Research: How Information Generation, Consumption, and Transmission Influence Communication Processes and Outcomes Yan Jin

Yan Jin, Lucinda Austin, and Brooke Liu. (forthcoming). “Social-Mediated Crisis Communication Research: How Information Generation, Consumption, and Transmission Influence Communication Processes and Outcomes.” The Handbook of Crisis Communication (2nd edition) (Eds. W. T. Coombs […]

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Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness: Integrating Crisis Scholarship with Practice Bryan H. Reber, Yan Jin & Glen Nowak

Bryan Reber, Yan Jin, and Glen Nowak. (forthcoming). “Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness: Integrating Crisis Scholarship with Practice.” The Handbook of Crisis Communication (2nd edition) (Eds. W. T. Coombs and S. J. Holladay), Wiley-Blackwell.  Abstract: Reber, Jin, […]

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Knowing Thy Enemy and Fighting the Good Fight: A Framework for Organizational Preparation for and Response to AI-driven Disinformation Campaigns Yan Jin

Elise Karinshak (undergraduate student) and Yan Jin’s paper “Knowing Thy Enemy and Fighting the Good Fight: A Framework for Organizational Preparation for and Response to AI-driven Disinformation Campaigns” received the Emerald Professional […]

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Factors that impact COVID-19 conspirational beliefs and health-related behaviors Ivanka Pjesivac, Leslie Klein, Wenqing Zhao, Xuerong Lu & Yan Jin

Ivanka Pjesivac, Leslie Klein (PhD student), Wenqing Zhao (PhD student),Xuerong Lu (recently graduated PhD student), and Yan Jin. (May 2022). “Factors that impact COVID-19 conspirational beliefs and health-related behaviors.” Poster presented at […]

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Fending off Unverified Accusation with Narratives: The Role of Primary and Secondary Narratives in Organizational Response Effectiveness in an Ongoing Crisis Taylor Voges and Yan Jin

Yen-I Lee (PhD alum), Xuerong Lu (PhD candidate), Taylor Voges (PhD candidate), and Yan Jin. (forthcoming). “Fending off Unverified Accusation with Narratives: The Role of Primary and Secondary Narratives in Organizational Response Effectiveness in an Ongoing […]

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Effective Communication Management in a Public Health Crisis: Lessons Learned about COVID-19 Pandemic through the Lens of Health Communication Executives Taylor Voges and Yan Jin

Taylor Voges (PhD candidate), Yan Jin, LaShonda Eaddy (PhD alum), Shelley Spector. (forthcoming). “Effective Communication Management in a Public Health Crisis: Lessons Learned about COVID-19 Pandemic through the Lens of Health Communication Executives.” Journal […]

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Mask-wearing as an Unspoken Statement of One’s Identity during the COVID-19 Pandemic Yan Jin and Ja Kyung Seo

Abstract: Interpreting a facemask as an unspoken statement of one’s identity during the COVID-19 pandemic based on product symbolism theory, the present study examines the relationships among one’s trust in […]

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Exploring Differences in Crisis Literacy and Efficacy on Behavioral Responses during Infectious Disease Outbreaks Yan Jin

Abstract: This study examined the effects of literacy and efficacy on individuals’ protective action taking and information seeking during the early phase of infectious disease outbreaks through a nationally representative survey […]

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Crisis Information Vetting: Extending the Social-Mediated Crisis Communication Model Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Abstract: Social media provides users easy access to unpredictable and unfiltered information from multiple sources during crises, further challenging publics to discern the accuracy of the information they receive and […]

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Crisis Misinformation and Corrective Strategies in Social-Mediated Crisis Communication Yan Jin

Abstract: The social-mediated crisis communication domain is flooded with misinformation in various forms, causing misperception about a crisis and trigger negative crisis outcomes that harm organizational reputation and publics’ wellbeing. […]

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Factors that Impact COVID-19 Conspirational Beliefs and Health-Related Behaviors Ivanka Pjesivac, Leslie Klein, Wenqing Zhao & Yan Jin

Abstract: To further investigate the role of conspirational beliefs on health-related behaviors during a health pandemic such as COVID-19, we conducted an online survey among U.S. adults (N = 798) […]

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Trust and Cultural Factors Shaping COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions across Six Countries Sung In Choi and Yan Jin

Abstract: Based on a COVID-19 pandemic communication survey (N = 3,124) in Australia, Finland, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States, our study examined how trust in government sources […]

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Threat Assessments and Organization Resources for DEI and Ethics: Practitioner Insights on Sticky Crises Taylor Voges, Solyee Kim, JeongHyun (Janice) Lee, Sara Ervin, Yan Jin & Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: Organizations need to respond to sticky crises with speed and timeliness; this speed depends onhow communication practitioners assess threats and their organizations’ resources for the threats. Based on theoretical […]

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Responding to Fire Ignited from Outside: Explicating “Crisis Spillover” through the Multi-Layered Lens of Organizational Crisis Communication Taylor Voges, Xuerong Lu & Yan Jin

Abstract: Crises have been examined from the perspective of the crisis origin organization. Depending on the crisis type, other organizations might experience impacts because of the initial crisis. This emerging […]

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Trust: The Shrouded Public Health Threat Xuerong Lu and Yan Jin

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by unprecedented loss of life; political instability; and a global infodemic, has eroded public trust in all types of institutions (Edelman, 2021) except business. Public […]

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How Diverse Publics’ Perceptions of Health Information Channel Credibility and COVID-19 Risk Impacted Their Preventive Behavioral Intention: Insights from a U.S. National Survey Sung In Choi, Yan Jin & Solyee Kim

Abstract: Using an online survey of a representative U.S. adult sample, this study revealed how publics perceived COVID-19 risk and credibility of information channels differently, which further predicted intention to […]

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How Emotional Appeals in Health Promotion Messages and User-generated Comments Impact COVID-19 Vaccination Intention: The Mediating Role of Psychological Reactance Youngji Seo, Wenqing Zhao, Sung In Choi & Yan Jin

Abstract: To close existing research gap and combat vaccine hesitancy among young adults, we conduct this study to integrate psychological reactance theory to better understand the effectiveness of three emerging […]

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Think Before You Share: Beliefs and Emotions that Shaped COVID-19 (Mis)information Vetting and Sharing Intentions among WhatsApp Users in the United Kingdom Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Abstract: This study examined how individuals’ emotional and cognitive responses to different shades of truth embedded in health crisis (mis)information (i.e., full falsity vs. partial falsity vs. full truth) might […]

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Does Culture Matter? Measuring Cross-Country Perceptions of CSR Communication Campaigns about COVID-19 Sung In Choi, Yan Jin & Solyee Kim

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought several challenges to businesses and societies. In response, many corporations have supported local communities and authorities in the management of the pandemic. Although these […]

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Effective and Ethical Team Management of Sticky Crisis Communication Challenges Taylor Voges and Yan Jin

Book Description: The purpose of this book is to provide insights into effective and ethical management of “sticky crises” (i.e., industry-wide crisis issues that are complex and challenging, with and […]

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What Drives a Tough Call: Determining the Importance of Contingency Factors and Individual Characteristics in Communication Executives’ Stance Decision-Making through a Conjoint Analysis Taylor Voges, Yan Jin & Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: To further the understanding of how communication executives make tough calls in times of organizational-public conflict, we use a conjoint analysis to identify key drivers for organizational stance decision-making. […]

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The Power of Myth and Truth: Uncovering the History and Growing Role of Native Americans in Public Relations Yan Jin and Taylor Voges

Yan Jin (PI), Shelley Spector (Co-PI), and Taylor Voges (PhD Candidate, Co-PI). “The Power of Myth and Truth: Uncovering the History and Growing Role of Native Americans in Public Relations.” The Arthur W. Page Center […]

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Dynamics of Feedback Behaviours to Social Peers Sharing COVID-19 Misinformation on WhatsApp in Brazil Yan Jin

Santosh Vijaykumar, Daniel Rogerson, Yan Jin, and Mariella Silva de Oliveira Costa. (forthcoming). “Dynamics of Feedback Behaviours to Social Peers Sharing COVID-19 Misinformation on WhatsApp in Brazil.” Abstract: Online COVID-19 misinformation is […]

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Combating the COVID-19 Infodemic Through Evidence-Based Misinformation Management Strategies Yan Jin

Funding Source: U.S. Food & Drug Administration via a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Total Amount:  $224,478.00 Project period: 09/30/2021 to 06/29/2024 Project Summary: We propose a multi-phase research project that […]

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Breaking the sound of silence: Explication in the use of strategic silence in crisis communication Sung In Choi, Yan Jin, Youngji Seo & Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: Crises present organizations with the “rhetorical exigency” to enact control (Heath, 2004, p.167). Silence is not an option. This study, as the first empirical examination of Le et al. (2019)’s seminal study […]

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Effective Health Risk Communications: Lessons Learned about COVID-19 Pandemic through the Lens of Practitioners Yan Jin and Taylor Voges

Abstract: The study utilizes semi-structured interviews of health risk communication practitioners in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The contingency theory of strategic conflict management is the guide to understanding […]

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A New Conceptual Model for Understanding Interracial Communication Apprehension: How Does Racial Representation in Television-Entertainment Media Impact Interracial Conversation? Yan Jin

Aarum Youn-Heil (Grady PhD student) and Yan Jin. Abstract: This study proposes a new conceptual model for understanding interracial communication apprehension (IRCA), delineating how people of color use various communication practices (Orbe, […]

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Unintended Effects of Risk Communication: Impacts of Message Fatigue, Risk Tolerance, and Trust in Public Health Information on Psychological Reactance Youngji Seo, Bryan H. Reber & Yan Jin

Abstract: How individuals experience unintended effects of risk messages is an understudied area. Focusing on three types of unintended effects (i.e., message fatigue, risk tolerance, and psychological reactance) associated with […]

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Uncertainty Management in Organizational Crisis Communication: The Impact of Crisis Responsibility Uncertainty and Attribution-based Emotions on Publics’ Further Crisis Information Seeking Xuerong Lu and Yan Jin

Abstract: Although uncertainty has been identified as a key crisis characteristic and a multi-faceted construct essential to effective crisis management research and practice, only a few studies examined publics’ perceived […]

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Infectious Disease Risk (IDR) Perception and Prospective Tourists’ Travel Intention to a Mega-sport Event Host Country: The Mediating Role of Risk Information Seeking Yan Jin and DongWon Choi

Abstract: While risk perception has been the subject of many sport tourism studies, much remains to be linked with risk information seeking, travel-related response, and behavior in the sport tourism […]

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The Effects of Responding Strategy with Crisis Narratives on Effectiveness of Communicating Ongoing Crisis of Sexual Harassment Xuerong Lu and Yan Jin

Abstract: Effective response strategies and narratives are crucial for organizations to manage crisis situations. Grounded in SCCT (Coombs, 2007) and narratives of crisis (Seeger & Sellnow, 2016), this study aims […]

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Uncovering layers in health risk communication: The roles of risk tolerance, message fatigue, and trust Yan Jin and Youngji Seo

Abstract: One of the understudied topics in risk communication is why individuals do not follow or are resistant to recommended behaviors that optimize personal health outcomes. To understand the dimensionality […]

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The Roles of Perceived Uncertainty of Crisis Responsibility and Attribution-based Crisis Emotions on Publics’ Information Seeking about an Organizational Crisis Xuerong Lu and Yan Jin

Abstract: Uncertainty is one of the key characteristics of an organizational crisis that needs to be addressed in an organization’s crisis responses. Although a large body of uncertainty research has […]

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Tracing the Caring Relationships Found Within Three Virus Outbreaks: A Public Health Communications Perspective Yan Jin

Abstract: The world is subject to many an affliction and pandemic, as seen most recently with COVID-19. This study, in an attempt to better understand the trends and workings of […]

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Strategic Decision-Making for Public Relations: Determining the Importance of Contingency Theory Factors Through a Conjoint Analysis Yan Jin and Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: This study uses a novel approach, the conjoint analysis, as a way to investigate the interactions between three factor groupings of the contingency theory variables that are relevant for […]

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How Shades of Truth and Age Affect Responses to COVID-19 (Mis)information: Randomized Survey Experiment among WhatsApp Users in UK and Brazil Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Abstract: We examined how age and exposure to different types of COVID-19 (mis)information affect misinformation beliefs, perceived credibility of the message and intention-to-share it on WhatsApp. Through two mixed-design online […]

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Yan Jin is named a Top 6 “Most Published Author” Yan Jin

Dr. Yan Jin is named a Top 6 “Most Published Author” in Public Relations Review and a Top 16 “Most Cited Author” in Public Relations Review articles. [Source: Page, T. […]

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How College Students Assess the Threat of Infectious Diseases: Implications for University Leaders and Health Communicators. Yan Jin

Abstract: Higher education institutions and their students face a wide range of infectious disease threats (IDTs). However, there is a lack of theory-driven research on how to provide communication for […]

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Individualizing Mental Health Responsibilities on Sina Weibo: A Content Analysis of Depression Framing by Media Organizations and Mental Health Institutions. Yan Jin

Abstract: Depression is a major threat to public health in China. Although many social determinants have been recognized as robust predictors of health outcomes, depression is still widely viewed and […]

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The Conceptualization of Risk Tolerance and Scale Development for Measuring Publics’ Tolerance of Individual Health Risks Yan Jin

Hyoyeun Jun (Grady PhD Alum) and Yan Jin (Forthcoming). “The Conceptualization of Risk Tolerance and Scale Development for Measuring Publics’ Tolerance of Individual Health Risks.” Journal of International Crisis and […]

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The Infectious Disease Threat (IDT) Appraisal Model: How Perceptions of IDT Predictability and Controllability Predict Individuals’ Responses to Risks Yan Jin

Yan Jin, Irina A. Iles, Lucinda Austin, Brooke Liu, and Gregory R. Hancock (Forthcoming). “The Infectious Disease Threat (IDT) Appraisal Model: How Perceptions of IDT Predictability and Controllability Predict Individuals’ […]

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Ethical and Effective Multi-Agency Public Crisis Communications: Lessons Learned from Recent U.S. History and through the Lens of Practitioners Who Fought in the Trench Warfare against the COVID-19 Pandemic Yan Jin

Yan Jin (PI). Grant from Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication: ($4,500, 2020-2021). [Co-PIs: Shelley Spector and Lashonda Eaddy (Grady PhD Alum)] “Ethical and Effective Multi-Agency Public Crisis […]

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The Effects of Corrective Communication and Employee Backup on the Effectiveness of Fighting Crisis Misinformation Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Abstract: Crisis misinformation, including false information about a crisis or a crisis-stricken organization, has become a fundamental threat to organizational wellbeing. Effective crisis response geared toward fighting crisis misinformation demands […]

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Assessing an Organizational Crisis at the Construal Level: How Psychological Distance Impacts Publics’ Crisis Responses Yan Jin and Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: To expand the existing scholarly literature on the nature of crisis, this study elaborates on the notion of crisis distance by 1) investigating its influence on publics’ crisis responses […]

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Telling the Tale: The Role of Narratives in Helping People Respond to Crises. Yan Jin

Brooke Liu, Lucinda Austin, Yen-I Lee, Yan Jin, and Seoyeon Kim. (Forthcoming). “Telling the Tale: The Role of Narratives in Helping People Respond to Crises.” Journal of Applied Communication Research. […]

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Best Practices for Corporate Communication Research Collaboration between University Research Groups and Industry Businesses and Organizations: A Structure and Function Analysis Yan Jin and Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to identify the best practices for corporate communication research collaboration between a university research group (URG) and outside businesses or organizations that systematically […]

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Controversial Fashion and Corporate Crisis Learning: An Analysis of the Recent History of Diversity-Related Crisis Events in the Global Fashion Industry Yan Jin

Abstract: In recent years, several fashion organizations have received trenchant criticisms made against garments and fashion campaigns that included designs and graphics with negative racial connotations. Crisis issues can be […]

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Information Vetting as a Key Component in Social-Mediated Crisis Communication: An Exploratory Study to Examine the Initial conceptualization Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Abstract: In order to understand publics’ crisis information consumption in an increasingly competitive and conflicting media environment, this study addresses how and why individuals vet information (or not) in social-mediated […]

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To Vet, or Not: That Is the Process: Scale Development for Measuring Individuals’ Information Vetting Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association (ICA) Conference, Information Systems Division, May 21-25, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia. Abstract: To refine the conceptualization and operationalization of information vetting in […]

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The Strategic Role of Visuals and Cultural Appeals in Help-Support Campaigns: Engaging Chinese Immigrants in Depression Communication on Social Media Yan Jin

Accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association (ICA) Conference, Health Communication Division, May 21-25, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia. Abstract: This study investigated the effect of different framing, visual, and […]

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The Effects of Corrective Communication and Employee Backup on the Effectiveness of Fighting Crisis Misinformation Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Accepted for presentation at the International Communication Association (ICA) Conference, Public Relations Division, May 21-25, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia. Abstract: Crisis misinformation, including false information about a crisis or a […]

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True or False: How Parents Decide to Seek, Vet, or Share Infectious Disease Outbreak Information Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Accepted for presentation at the International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRCC), March 9-11, 2020, Orlando, FL. Abstract: Numerous studies have explored how publics seek and share crisis information, but […]

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Integrating Strategy and Dosage: A New Conceptual Formula for Assessing Intended and Unintended Effects of Health Risk Communication Xuerong Lu and Yan Jin

Accepted for presentation at the International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRCC), March 9-11, 2020, Orlando, FL. Abstract: How to detect side effects of repeated exposure of the same or […]

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The Effects of Threat Type and Gain-Loss Framing on At-Risk Publics’ Responses to Environmental Risk Communication DongWon Choi and Yan Jin

Accepted for presentation at the 23rd annual International Public Relations Research Conference (IPRRC), March 5-7, 2020, Orlando, FL. Abstract: This study examines the effects of environmental risk perception and risk […]

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Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness: Integrating Crisis Communication and Social Media Scholarship with Practice Yan Jin

Accepted for presentation at the International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference (ICRCC), March 9-11, 2020, Orlando, FL. Abstract: Social media have become dominant channels for organizations and citizens to share […]

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How Stakeholders React to Mobile-Enhanced Corporate Disaster Relief Efforts Yan Jin

Invited Article: Yi-Ru Regina Chen, Yang Cheng, Chun-Ju Flora Hung-Baesecke, and Yan Jin (12/10/2019). “How Stakeholders React to Mobile-Enhanced Corporate Disaster Relief Efforts.” Behavioral Insights Research Center, Institute for Public […]

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Book Contract – Social Media and Crisis Communication (Second Edition) Yan Jin

Lucinda Austin and Yan Jin (Eds.) (Forthcoming in 2021). Social Media and Crisis Communication (Second Edition), Routledge.

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Information Vetting as a Key Component in Social-mediated Crisis Communication: An Exploratory Study Xuerong Lu, Yan Jin & Taeyeon Kim

Abstract: In order to understand publics’ information consumption behavior in current media environment, this study addresses how and why individuals vet information (or not) in crisis situations. Grounded in dual-process […]

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Social Media Strategies for Overcoming Stakeholder Social Media Fatigue: A Trialogue Approach Youngji Seo, Marilyn Primovic & Yan Jin

Abstract: The continuation of rapid changes in Web 2.0 has transformed the practice of business communication and stakeholders’ expectations. One paramount issue facing corporate communicators is stakeholders’ social media fatigue […]

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Opening the Minds’ Eye: The Pivotal Role of Sympathy in Depression Coverage Effectiveness Yan Jin

Abstract: Depression is one of the most severe health threats to the college student population. Depression communication plays an essential role in reducing stigma and discrimination against sufferers. However, the […]

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Dissecting the Root of Vaccine Misinformation on Pinterest: A Content Analysis of Vaccine-Related Pins by Influential Social Media Accounts Michael Cacciatore and Yan Jin

Abstract: Given the role the Internet plays in communicating anti-vaccine sentiments, coupled with limited research in this area, this study focused on the social media platform Pinterest, analyzing 1,119 vaccine-related […]

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The State of Crisis Communication Research and Education Through the Lens of Crisis Scholars: An International Delphi Study Bryan H. Reber and Yan Jin

Abstract: This Delphi study explores the status of crisis communication research and education qualitatively through the lens of 22 internationally recognized crisis communication scholars, systematically recruited and retained to serve […]

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2019 Emerald Literati Award for Excellence Yan Jin

2019 Emerald Literati Award for Excellence – Highly Commended Paper, Corporate Communications: an International Journal -LaShonda Eaddy and Yan Jin (2018). “Crisis History Tellers Matter: The Effects of Crisis History […]

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Book Contract: Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness: Integrating Public Relations Scholarship with Practice Yan Jin, Glen Nowak & Bryan H. Reber

Abstract:: Advancing Crisis Communication Effectiveness shows how crisis communication plans and efforts for complex and challenging issues benefit when academic perspectives are connected with practitioner experiences. This book brings crisis […]

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“Engaging International Publics via Mobile-Enhanced CSR (mCSR): A Cross-National Study on Stakeholder Reactions to Corporate Disaster Relief Efforts.” Yan Jin

Abstract: With globalization, corporations increasingly have to consider both domestic stakeholders and overseas stakeholders (i.e., international publics) in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice. Digitalization empowers international publics to scrutinize […]

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“What Makes Social Movement Campaigns Go Viral on Social Media? The Role of Narrative Features and Cultural Influences.” Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Abstract: Social movements and social issue related public discourse has become one of the most impactful public communication phenomena in the digital space. Previous studies have examined the association between […]

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The Role of Regret and Hope in Anti-smoking Loss-Framing-Based Narrative Persuasion. Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Abstract: this study examines the effect of discrete emotional appeal (i.e., regret and hope) in loss-framing-based narrative by exploring its impact on people’s emotional engagement and attitude toward the smoking […]

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A framework for understanding misinformation and rumor: Analysis of social media crises and misinformation characteristics Yan Jin

Abstract: In a polarizing media environment increasingly fraught with misinformation, disinformation, contradicting information, and rumor, it is tougher than ever for brands and agencies to correct the record or make […]

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Crisis Information Vetting in Social-Mediated Crisis and Risk Communication: A Conceptual Framework Yan Jin and Xuerong Lu

Abstract: The proliferation of news sources and user-generated content, which is flooded by misinformation (Southwell, Thorson, & Sheble, 2018), present an urgent need for research that investigates audiences’ information consumption […]

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Health Risk Tolerance as a Key Determinant of (Un)willingness to Behavior Change: Conceptualization and Scale Development Yan Jin and Hyoyeun Jun

Abstract: As Heath and O’Hair (2009) defined, crisis is when risk is manifested. The urgency and uncertainty of crisis can induce more complexity to organizations (Seeger, Sellnow, & Ulmer, 1998). […]

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Seeking Formula for Misinformation Treatment in Public Health Crises: The Effects of Corrective Information Type and Source Yan Jin

Abstract: An increasing lack of information truthfulness has become one fundamental challenge to communications. Insights into how to debunk this type of misinformation can especially be crucial for public health […]

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Communicating about Infectious Disease Threats: Insights from Public Health Information Officers Yan Jin and Hyoyeun Jun

Abstract: The public health communication challenges that arise in times of infectious disease threats (IDTs) were examined using the Risk Amplification through Media Spread (RAMS) Framework and in-depth phone interviews […]

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Can Google Analytics Certification Cultivate PR students’ competency in digital analytics? A longitudinal pedagogical research Yan Jin, Solyee Kim & Juan Meng

Abstract: This longitudinal pedagogical research investigates students’ perceptions and learning outcomes by integrating web and social analytics-based learning activities (i.e., Google Analytics courses and certification test) into Public Relations Research […]

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When CSR Meets Mobile SNA Users in Mainland China: An Examination of Gratifications Sought, CSR Motives, and Relational Outcomes in Natural Disasters Yan Jin

Abstract: With the heavy use of mobile social networking applications (SNA), corporations have widely applied corporate social responsibility activities enhanced by mobile technologies (i.e., mCSR) to target stakeholders. This study […]

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Grant Awarded: Misinformation Vulnerabilities among Elderly during Disease Outbreaks Yan Jin

Abstract: This study aims to identify the nature of, and find potential solutions to the kinds of vulnerabilities that misinformation imposes on older adults during infectious disease outbreaks with a […]

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How Financial Crisis History Informs Ethical Corporate Communication: Insights from Corporate Communication Leaders Camila Espina, Yan Jin & Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: This study explored how financial crisis history can inform corporate crisis communication practice across industries and over time. Thirty-eight interviews with chief communications officers (CCOs) and their counselors were […]

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Mobile Corporate Social Responsibility (mCSR): Examining Publics’ Responses to CSR-Based Initiatives in Natural Disasters Yan Jin

Abstract: As social media use on mobile devices has been integrated in people’s daily lives, corporations began to target the publics on corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities on mobile devices. […]

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How Financial Crisis History Informs Ethical Corporate Communication: Insights from Corporate Communication Leaders Camila Espina, Yan Jin & Bryan H. Reber

Abstract: This study explored how financial crisis history can inform corporate crisis communication practice across industries and over time. Thirty-eight interviews with chief communications officers (CCOs) and their counselors were […]

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Crisis Information Seeking and Sharing (CISS): Scale Development for Measuring Publics’ Communicative Behavior in Social-Mediated Public Health Crises Yan Jin

Abstract: This study first refined the conceptual framework of publics’ communicative behavior in social-mediated health crises. Then two multiple-item scales for measuring publics’ health crisis information seeking and sharing (CISS) […]

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Teaching Specialties

Dr. Jin teaches PR Research, PR Administration, PR Campaigns, AdPR Health, Crisis Communication, and Mass Communication Theory. Her PR Campaigns class has collaborated with The Home Depot and eBay, while her AdPR Health class has worked on strategic health communication projects with Amgen and Publicis Health. She also served as faculty advisor for Grady PRSSA Chapter’s Bateman Team (2016, 2017 and 2018).

In 2016, Dr. Jin led the Grady@Oxford Summer Study Abroad Program at Oxford University, UK. She has guest-lectured for a number of universities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Experience

Dr. Jin serves on the editorial board of  Journal of Public Relations Research,  Public Relations Review, Communication Research, Journal of Communication Management, International Journal of Strategic Communication, Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research, and  Journal of Public Interest Communications. She also guest-edited special issues for Public Relations Review, Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, and Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research. She is an affiliated researcher of the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism at the University of Maryland. She is also a faculty affiliate of the Owens Institute for Behavioral Research (OIBR) at the University of Georgia. As invited fellow, scholar and/or professor, Dr. Jin has visited and conducted international research collaborations at University of Jyväskylä (Finland), Aalto University (Finland), Northumbria University (UK), Università IULM (Italy), and Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR) at University of Amsterdam (Netherlands). 

Actively engaged in bridging the gap between academia and industry, Dr. Jin has contributed over 20 articles to professional publications and outlets with a global outreach, such as  PR News, Communication Director,  PR Tactics, and Institute for Public Relations’  Social Science for Social Media Research Center. She has given a seminar talk at the National Conference of State Legislatures, conducted professional workshops at the Public Relations Society of America’s international conferences, and presented at the Public Relations Leadership Summit sponsored by The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations. She was a keynote speaker at the 2019 International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference. Dr. Jin serves on the publications board and research committee of the Association for Business Communication. Dr. Jin serves on the publications board and research committee of the Association for Business Communication): She is on the board of directors of the International Public Relation Research Conference (IPRRC) and the Museum of Public Relations.

Dr. Jin is the director and co-founder of Crisis Communication Think Tank (CCTT) at UGA, which aims to advance crisis communication effectiveness through dialogue and collaboration among leading public relations scholars and practitioners on emerging and complex crisis issues. 

Awards and Honors

Dr. Jin received the 2014 Krieghbaum Under-40 Award from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). This prestigious national award is given annually by AEJMC to recognize the recipient’s outstanding achievement in research, teaching, and public service. In 2016, Dr. Jin was elected to the Arthur W. Page Society based on her teaching and research distinction in corporate communications. In 2017, Dr. Jin was accepted for placement on the Fulbright Specialist Roster (2017-2020) by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, becoming eligible to be matched with projects designed by international host institutions. In 2019, Dr. Jin received the Kitty O. Locker Outstanding Researcher Award from the Association for Business Communication (ABC), an international award that recognizes excellence in business communication research and outstanding contribution to the business communication discipline.

Dr. Jin has earned numerous top paper awards at leading conferences, including the International Public Relations Research Conference, the International Communication Association, the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, and the National Communication Association conferences, as well as the European Public Relations Education and Research Association (EUPRERA) Congress. She was named a Page Legacy Scholar in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022 by the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication. 

Serving as principal investigator (PI), Co-PI, co-investigator (CI), or lead researcher, Dr. Jin has contributed to public relations, crisis communication, strategic conflict management, health and risk communication projects funded by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication, The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, C. R. Anderson Research Fund of the Association for Business Communication, and WhatsApp Research Awards for Social Science and Misinformation. 

Dr. Jin was named the Georgia Athletic Association Professor in Grady College in November 2018. She was named the C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communications Leadership in August 2022. 

In the News

Yan Jin builds crisis readiness

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CCTT and Page Center partner to advance student research in digital ethics and crisis communication

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2022 in Review: Faculty Honors

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Yan Jin named C. Richard Yarbrough Professor in Crisis Communication Leadership

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New book ‘Social Media and Crisis Communication’ (2nd edition) bridges gap between theory and practice

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UGA and UMD researchers partner to explore strategies for combatting misinformation during health crises

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New crisis communication book melds scholarly research with practitioner experience

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When companies are attacked by misinformation, employees may be their best defense

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Yan Jin named Kitty O. Locker Outstanding Researcher Award Recipient

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Yan Jin selected for membership in the Arthur W. Page Society

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