Problematic integration theory: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Problematic integration theory (Babrow, 1992. Communication and problematic integration: Understanding diverging probability and value, ambiguity, ambivalence, and impossibility. Communication Theory, 2(2), 95–130, 2001. Uncertainty, value, communication, and problematic integration. Journal of Communication, 51(3), 553–573) was developed to illuminate communication in relation to distinct but interrelated forms of troublesome meaning (e.g. uncertainty, ambivalence). Since its initial articulation, researchers have applied the theory to investigate communication in a wide range of contexts, including primarily health but also areas such as environmental risk, personal relationships, and organizational communication. This study systematically analyzes 54 applications of the theory, including the contexts to which PI theory has been applied, the key research questions, and methods used in these research applications. Findings of the systematic review are summarized in relation to the theoretical forms of PI and their dynamic relationship with communication. Theoretical implications and suggested directions for future PI research are discussed.