1
PhD Candidate in Communication Sciences, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
2
Public Relations, Communication Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran
10.30465/ismc.2026.53343.3002
Abstract
In recent years, the Constructive Journalism approach has gained significant attention among communication scholars for its goal of presenting a hopeful and engagement-oriented image of the world. However, its role in health reporting for vulnerable audiences, particularly patients with refractory (incurable) diseases, remains under-explored. Utilizing a qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews with 14 experts from the fields of media, medicine, and psychology, this study aims to develop a preliminary framework of the content and structural components of constructive reporting for these patients. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and the constant comparative technique. The findings indicate that constructive reporting for patients with refractory diseases requires a simultaneous reconfiguration of both content and structure. Such reports should focus on thematic elements such as inspiration, social connectedness, solution-orientation, and hope for the future, while employing narrative, logical, and interactive structures characterized by inspirational characterization and supportive language. Producing this content demands specific skills, including storytelling, proficiency in positive psychology, and the ability to synthesize scientific data with human narratives. The preliminary framework proposed in this research can serve as a foundation for design, testing, and validation in future studies involving direct patient participation.
etemadi,A and Abdollahinejad,A . (2026). Constructive Journalism for Health: Developing a Preliminary Reporting Framework for Incurable Patients from Experts' Perspective. (e14100). Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, (), e14100 doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53343.3002
MLA
etemadi,A , and Abdollahinejad,A . "Constructive Journalism for Health: Developing a Preliminary Reporting Framework for Incurable Patients from Experts' Perspective" .e14100 , Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, , , 2026, e14100. doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53343.3002
HARVARD
etemadi A, Abdollahinejad A. (2026). 'Constructive Journalism for Health: Developing a Preliminary Reporting Framework for Incurable Patients from Experts' Perspective', Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, (), e14100. doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53343.3002
CHICAGO
A etemadi and A Abdollahinejad, "Constructive Journalism for Health: Developing a Preliminary Reporting Framework for Incurable Patients from Experts' Perspective," Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture, (2026): e14100, doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53343.3002
VANCOUVER
etemadi A, Abdollahinejad A. Constructive Journalism for Health: Developing a Preliminary Reporting Framework for Incurable Patients from Experts' Perspective. Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture. 2026;():e14100 (In Persian). doi: 10.30465/ismc.2026.53343.3002
