About
Dr. Joshua R. Pederson specializes in relational communication, studying how people navigate challenges and maintain connection during times of stress or uncertainty. His research examines how personal networks influence coping processes, revealing the ways that communication within close relationships can promote resilience, emotional wellbeing, and mutual understanding.
Dr. Pederson also explores topics such as relational transgressions and repair, supportive communication, and communal coping. As well as how individuals and groups work together to manage shared difficulties. His findings help explain not only what people say during tough times, but how those messages shape trust, forgiveness and relational strength.
Impact Beyond the University
By deepening our understanding of how communication supports emotional health, Dr. Pederson’s work informs practices in counseling, healthcare, and organizational support systems. His research helps professionals design interventions and communication strategies that foster empathy and connection in families, friendships and teams.
As a department chair, he brings this same relational insight to leadership. Including building collaborative, supportive environments for faculty, staff and students alike.
A Passion for Teaching and Communication
In the classroom, Dr. Pederson is dedicated to helping students understand the power of communication in their everyday relationships. He teaches courses in interpersonal communication and human communication research, guiding students to connect theory with their lived experiences.
Through mentorship, he encourages emerging scholars to pursue questions that matter deeply to them and to see communication as a means for understanding and improving human experience. His teaching emphasizes that the study of relationships is, ultimately, the study of what it means to be human.