ERIC Number: EJ1112907
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0163-853X
EISSN: N/A
"Why Are You Concerned?" A Consideration of Turn Distance and the Organization of the Interrogative Series in "Wellness Check" Calls to a University Police Department
Kevoe-Feldman, Heidi
Discourse Processes: A multidisciplinary journal, v53 n7 p556-580 2016
This study focuses on a type of request referred to as a "wellness check," commonly made to a large university police department located on the east coast of the United States. A "wellness check" occurs when a loved one calls with concerns about a person they believe to be in distress or in need of assistance. The focus of the analysis considers how call-takers' positioning of the "what's your concern" question within the interrogative series, vis-à-vis the reason for calling (e.g., turn distance from the reason for calling), has consequences for the type of information call-takers are able to extract from callers about their concerns. Findings suggest that the position of this inquiry within the interrogative series has implications for how call-takers solicit callers' collaboration toward building a report that can later be communicated to responding officers.
Descriptors: Discourse Analysis, Wellness, Police, Emotional Disturbances, Universities, Telecommunications, Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Relationship
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A