Xi Tian

Xi Tian is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Delaware (College of Arts & Sciences). She holds a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University, an M.S. from Texas Christian University, and a B.A. from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Her research focuses on interpersonal and health communication, particularly examining supportive communication processes that mitigate psychological and physical health challenges arising from major life stressors such as pregnancy loss and bereavement. Her work bridges communication theory with applied health contexts, using interdisciplinary methods to explore relational dynamics and health outcomes.

Dr. Tian’s research portfolio includes studies on grief management following spousal loss, parental experiences with children’s educational transitions, and behavioral responses to public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. She has investigated topics such as pandemic-related fatigue, communal coping mechanisms, and the role of pronouns in supportive messaging. These studies employ both quantitative and qualitative approaches, often incorporating biometric measures like heart rate variability to assess health impacts.

Her publications appear in top-tier journals including Journal of Communication, Health Communication, and Death Studies. While no formal awards are documented in the provided text, her prolific output reflects sustained scholarly engagement with critical interpersonal and health communication issues. No specific grants, labs, or advising roles are listed in the text, though her research clearly intersects with clinical and public health domains.