Erin Basinger

Erin Basinger is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, alongside a B.A. from Samford University and an M.A. from the University of Georgia. Her work focuses on interpersonal communication processes in health contexts, particularly exploring how families manage health stressors like chronic illness, grief, and mental illness. Her research emphasizes communal coping strategies, stigma reduction, and communication dynamics in healthcare settings.

Key research areas include body stigma in reproductive healthcare, military veteran mental health, and the role of online forums in sexual health support. Dr. Basinger’s work bridges theoretical models like communal coping and relational turbulence with practical applications in healthcare advocacy and family communication. Her studies often intersect with marginalized populations such as Black Americans with diabetes, LGBTQ+ communities, and fat individuals navigating fertility and pregnancy challenges.

In advising, she mentors students exploring health communication, interpersonal relationships, and stress management. While no specific grants or lab affiliations are noted in the provided text, her work reflects interdisciplinary collaboration with health professionals and social scientists. Dr. Basinger’s contributions highlight the critical role of communication in addressing systemic health inequities and improving patient-provider interactions.