Foregrounding the work professional communicators do to support public health and social missions, this book examines how the principles and practices of public relations can be applied by nonprofit, government, and corporate entities working to understand and improve public health and social conditions.

Many organizations attempt to influence prosocial behaviors, such as donating one’s time, money, or talents; participating in advocacy or activism; or otherwise working to protect public health or inspire social change. This book explores research and practice related to communication and other factors involved in motivating such efforts. Each chapter focuses on a different topic, providing definitions, summarizing research, and explaining how it has been or can be applied to practice, and ends with discussion questions to consider and references for further reading.

Ideally placed for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in public relations, health communication, or strategic communication as well as for communications professionals looking to apply research to their practice.