Michael Slater

Michael Slater is a Social and Behavioral Sciences Distinguished Professor at the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, The Ohio State University, specializing in health communication and media effects. His research explores narrative influence and dynamic selection processes in communication.

His work focuses on:

• Dynamic processes where communication channel selection reinforces beliefs, social identity, and behaviors (Reinforcing Spirals Model)
• Narrative psychology (Extended Elaboration Likelihood Model, Temporarily Expanded Boundaries of the Self, Mediated Wisdom of Experience)
• Media's role in health prevention, particularly alcohol and tobacco use

He emphasizes student-driven intellectual growth in graduate advising and application-focused learning in courses on theory construction, communication campaigns, and attitudes/behavior.