Dr. Mary Beth Asbury

Chair, Professor

Dr. Mary Beth Asbury
(615) 898-2275
Room 233, Jones Hall (JH)
MTSU Box 200, Murfreesboro, TN 37132
Office Hours

Please email MaryBeth.Asbury@mtsu.edu to set up an appointment.

Degree Information

  • PHD, University of Kansas (2011)
  • MS, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2006)
  • AB, University of Georgia (2004)
  • AB, University of Georgia (2004)

Areas of Expertise

Stigma and intergroup processes

Weight/obesity stigma development

3D Body-scanning technology and communication

Family Communication Patterns

Publications

Asbury, M. B., & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2023). “There’s a lot of Inches to Love”: Expectancy Violations, Fat Identity, Weight Stigma, and Relational Turmoil in TLC’s Hot and Heavy. In S. S. Leblanc and K. Hopper (Eds.) The Body in Popular Culture. Routledge.

Dix, A. C., Asbury, M. B., & Brojakowski, B. (2022). Beneath the makeup and beyond the frames: A nonverbal study on the perceptions of female college athletes who wear cosmetics products in their headsh...

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Asbury, M. B., & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2023). “There’s a lot of Inches to Love”: Expectancy Violations, Fat Identity, Weight Stigma, and Relational Turmoil in TLC’s Hot and Heavy. In S. S. Leblanc and K. Hopper (Eds.) The Body in Popular Culture. Routledge.

Dix, A. C., Asbury, M. B., & Brojakowski, B. (2022). Beneath the makeup and beyond the frames: A nonverbal study on the perceptions of female college athletes who wear cosmetics products in their headshot photograph. Kentucky Journal of Communication.

Priddis, D. M., & Asbury, M. B. (2022). New Role, New Problems. Accepted for publication in A. L. Meluch and H. L. Walter (Eds.) Casing Conflict. Kendall Hunt.

Asbury, M. B., & Priddis, D. M. (2022). The friendly coworker: Bullying and boundary crossing in the workplace. Accepted for publication in J. Wrench (Ed.) Casing Organizational Communication. Kendall Hunt.

Priddis, D., & Asbury, M. B. (2021). Assessing grief in family caregivers of individuals with alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder using the Marwit-Meuser Caregiver Grief Inventory Short Form (MM-CGI-SF). Substance Abuse: Treatment and Research, 14 (1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1177/1178221820972711

Priddis, D., & Asbury, M.B., (2021). Designing a communication strategy for increasing public transit use: A case study of the Nashville MTA system. In SAGE Business Cases. Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529763287

LaFever, H., Brinthaupt, T. M., Cottle, F. S., & Asbury, M. B. (2019). Changes in body esteem after viewing a 3D full-body representation of oneself. Journal of Family and Consumer Science, 11, 24-34. https://doi.org/10.14307/JFCS111.4.24

Asbury, M. B., & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2018). Bringing theory to life: The use of autoethnography to encourage theoretical understanding. Carolina Communication Annual, 34, 73-81.

Asbury, M. B. & Webb, N. G. (2018). Will you date me?”: Understanding the importance of audience analysis. In J. S. Seiter, J. Peeples, & M. L. Sanders (Eds.), Communication in the classroom: A collection of GIFTS (pp. 217-225). Bedford/St.Martin’s.

Asbury, M. B. & Jones, V. B. (2018). The “law and order” of using effective sources in a speech. In J. S. Seiter, J. Peeples, & M. L. Sanders (Eds.), Communication in the classroom: A collection of GIFTS (pp. 373-376). Bedford/St.Martin’s.

Asbury, M. B., Kratzer, J. M. W., Brinthaupt, T. M. (2017). The stickiness of weight stigma: An examination of residual weight stigma, stigma targets, and willingness to date. Social Behavior Research and Practice, 2, 18-26. https://doi.org/10.17140/SBRPOJ-2-108

Wagner, P. E., Kunkel, A. D., Asbury, M. B., Soto, F. V. (2016). Civilized (trans)gressions: Gender, health, and the diverging valence of trans* stigma. Women & Language, 39, 49-74.

Asbury, M. B. & Woszidlo, A. (2016). Understanding the role of family communication in the development of weight stigma. Health Psychology Report, 4, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.5114/hpr.2016.57682

Asbury, M. B. & Woszidlo, A. (2013). Coping with obesity: The use of problem and emotion focused strategies on Weight Watchers.com message boards. Ohio Journal of Communication, 50, 85-105.

Asbury, M. B., & Beck, S. J. (2012). The “reality” of working in small groups. In F. Mullen & W. Mullen (Eds.), Teaching communication creatively: Practical ideas to enhance student learning. Lynchburg, VA: Liberty University Press. ISBN 13: 978-1-935986-35-5

Keyton, J., Beck, S. J., & Asbury, M. B. (2010). Macrocognition: A communication perspective. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomic Science, 11, 272-286. https://doi.org/10.1080/14639221003729136

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Presentations

Asbury, M. B., & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2022, April). “There’s a lot of Inches to Love”: Expectancy Violations, Fat Identity, Weight Stigma, and Relational Turmoil in TLC’s Hot and Heavy. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Central States Communication Association, Madison, WI

Asbury, M. B., & Woszidlo, A. (2021, November). Family communication patterns and weight stigma: The moderating effects of religiosity. Paper presented at the annual meeting ...

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Asbury, M. B., & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2022, April). “There’s a lot of Inches to Love”: Expectancy Violations, Fat Identity, Weight Stigma, and Relational Turmoil in TLC’s Hot and Heavy. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Central States Communication Association, Madison, WI

Asbury, M. B., & Woszidlo, A. (2021, November). Family communication patterns and weight stigma: The moderating effects of religiosity. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association conference, Seattle, WA.

Webber, K., & Asbury, M. B. (2021, November). Fitness credibility scale development: Transforming a 20th century measure to answer 21st century questions. Research roundtable presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association conference, Seattle, WA.

Asbury, M. B. (2021, November). Embodiment in the classroom: The examination and experience of fat stigma in the classroom. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association conference, Seattle, WA.

Dix, A. C., Brojakowski, B., & Asbury, M. B., (2021, April). She Got Game: Perceptions of Female Athletes who Wear Makeup. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Association of Communication and Sport’s conference, Clemson, SC.

*Brooks, A. M., Tollison, A. C., & Asbury, M. B. (2020, April). Disruptive Communication: Planting the Seeds of Transformation. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association’s annual conference, Frisco, TX.

*Cancelled due to COVID-19

Cottle, F. S. & Asbury, M. B. (2019, October). Describing the body in new terms: An examination of 3D body scanning technology and language use. Paper presented at annual meeting at 3DBody.Tech Conference and Expo, Lugano, Switzerland.

Asbury, M. B., Muhamed, J. W., Stansell, G., & Wry, B. (2019, April). Health communication: Truth under siege. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association’s annual conference, Montgomery, AL.

Asbury, M. B. & Cottle, F. S. (2018, October). Describing the body in new terms: An examination of 3D body scanning technology and language use. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender, Lake Tahoe, NV.

Asbury, M. B., Brooks, A. M., Goen, T. L., Tollison, A. C., & Dalton, E. D. (2018, April). Internships in communication: Musings, meditations, and most used practices. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Nashville, TN.

Brooks, A. M., Tollison, A. C., Asbury, M. B., & Levine, K. J. (2018, April). Musings of emotional maturity. Messages and mixing politeness. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Nashville, TN.

Priddis, D., & Asbury, M. B. (2018, April). Designing communication for increasing public transit use: A social identity approach. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Nashville, TN.

Asbury, M. B., & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2017, November). Bringing theory to life: The use of autoethnography to encourage theoretical understanding. G.I.F.T.S. presentation presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Dallas, TX.

Wagner, P., Kunkel, A.D., & Asbury, M. B., (2017, October). “I’m sorry…what does that have to do with my respiratory tract?: An identity-informed approach to trans patient and healthcare provider communication. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender, Omaha, NE.

Tollison, A. C., Levine, K. J., Brooks, A. M., & Asbury, M. B. (2017, April). Nonverbal Politeness Scale: Development and Validation. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Greenville, SC.

Asbury, M. B., Kratzer, J. M. W., & Brinthaupt, T. (2017, April). The Stickiness of Weight Stigma: An Examination of Residual Weight Stigma, Stigma Targets, and Willingness to Date. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Greenville, SC.

Wagner, P., Kunkel, A. D., Soto, F. V., & Asbury, M. B. (2016, October). Healthy (trans)gressions: identity and stigma management in trans* healthcare support-seeking. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender, Chicago, IL.

Tollison, A. C., Brooks, A. B., Asbury, M. B., Levine, K. J., & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2016, November). Presenter on panel entitled, sex, race, weight, politics, and other polite Subjects. Item presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Asbury, M. B. (2016, April). How much is too much? Finding a balance between saying “yes” and saying “no.” Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Austin, TX.

Asbury, M. B., & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2016, April). Data blitz – Tennovation update: Nissan LGBT guidebook. Presented at the annual MTSU LTBT+ Conference, Murfressboro, TN.

Tollison, A. C., Levine, K. J., Brooks, A. M., & Asbury, M. B. (2015, November) Politeness in 2015: contextual, racial, and regional Differences. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Las Vegas, NV.

Kratzer, J. M. W. & Asbury, M. B. (2015, October). Universities and companies coming together for the greater good: An autoethnographic approach using uncertainty reduction theory. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender conference, Bowling Green, KY.

Wagner, P. E., Kunkel, A. D., Asbury, M. B., Soto, F. V. (2015, October). Transgender health care: Past experiences, future directions, and the potential of communication research. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender conference, Bowling Green, KY.

Asbury, M. B., & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2015, April). Teaching effective small group classes online. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Tampa, FL.
Kratzer, J. M. W., & Asbury, M. B. (2015, April). "TMI?: How much personal information should a professor share in the classroom?" Panel accepted and presented at the annual meeting of the Central States Communication Association, Madison, WI.
Asbury, M. B., Wager, P. E., & Kunkel, A. D. (2015, April). [Fat]homing funny: Humor as a stigma management tool. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Tampa, FL.

Armfield, G. G., Asbury, M. B., Brooks, A. M., Goen, T. L., Dillon, P., Melican, D. B., Shoop, T. J., Smith, J. M., Simon, J., M., & Tollison, A. C. (2015, April). It’s all about to change: The art of crafting your career as you integrate into a faculty line. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Tampa, FL.
Asbury, M. B., Wagner, P. E., & Kunkel, A. D. (2015, April). Looking past “the plumbing:” An examination of transgender patients’ interactions with healthcare providers (preliminary findings). Poster presented at the annual meeting of MTSU’s LGBT+ College Conference, Murfreesboro, TN.

Asbury, M. B., Wagner, P. E., & Kunkel, A. D. (2014, April). An examination of body image in those who sexually identify as bi-sexual and transgender. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, New Orleans, LA.

Asbury, M. B., Brooks, A. M., Goen, T. L., Shoope, T. J., Simon, J., Tollison, A. C., & Burns, D. H. (2014, April). Moving Past Disruptive Behavior: Educational Moments for the Future of the Discipline. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, New Orleans, LA.
Kratzer, J. M. W., Asbury, M. B., Kissinger, L., Richey, P., & Swayze, C. (2013, September). Experiential learning: Offering student centered ideas. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Communication Association, Mufreesboro, TN.
Asbury, M. B. & Kratzer, J. M. W. (2013, September). Helping students help themselves: How to help students apply to graduate school. Workshop presented at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Communication Association, Murfreesboro, TN.
Asbury, M. B., Messner, B. A., Starr, P., Day, A., Dillard, S., Hart, J. L., & Walker, K. L. (2013, April). From soup kitchens to walk a mile: Service learning partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Panel presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Louisville, KY.
Asbury, M. B. (2013, April). Beyond “calories in and calories out:” Understanding the role of communication and weight. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Louisville, KY.
Asbury, M. B. & Kunkel, A. (2013, April). “You’d be so pretty if you just lost a little weight”: Communication, Weight, and Women. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Louisville, KY.
Asbury, M. B. & Kunkel, A. (2013, April). Exploring weight identity: An examination of the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of weight. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Louisville, KY.
Asbury, M. B. & Woszidlo, A. (2012, November). Understanding the role of communication in the development of weight stigma. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Washington, D. C.
Asbury, M. B. (2012, April). Looking beyond BMI: A communicative approach to understanding obesity. Paper presented at the bi-annual meeting of the Kentucky Conference on Health Communication, Lexington, KY.

Asbury, M. B. & Webb, N. G. (2011, November). “Will you date me?:” Understanding the importance of audience analysis. G.I.F.T.S. presentation presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, New Orleans, LA.
Woszidlo, A., Grill, K., Asbury, M. B., Maer, M., & Wakefield, C. (2011, May). Family autonomy and interdependence as predictors of attitudes toward marriage and divorce. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Communication Association, Boston, MA.
Asbury, M. B. & Woszidlo, A. (2010, November). Coping with Obesity: The Use of Problem and Emotion-Focused Strategies on Weight Watchers.com Message Boards. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, San Francisco, CA.

Asbury, M. B. (2010, April). Managing stigma with humor in an online weight loss community. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Memphis, TN.

Asbury, M. B. (2009, May). An examination of obesity stigma and identity through online discourse. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Communication Association, Chicago, IL.

Asbury, M. B. & Tollison, A. C. (2009, April). “I’m not being inappropriate; I’m just being impolite!”: An examination of politeness in college student-teacher interactions. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Central States Communication Association, St. Louis, MO.

Asbury, M. B. & Beck, S. J. (2008, November). The “reality” of working in small groups. G.I.F.T.S. presentation presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, San Diego, CA.

Asbury, M. B. & Haas, J. W. (2008, November). An exploratory investigation of whether individuals differentiate between hate speech and offensive language. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, San Diego, CA.

Keyton, J., Asbury, M. B., Beck, S. J., Carver, C. L., Jones, V. B., Khakimova, L. & Spain, A. (2008, April). A group communication perspective. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Savannah, GA.

Asbury, M. E. & Jones, V. B. (2007, November). The “Law and Order” of using effective sources in a speech. G.I.F.T.S. presentation at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Chicago, IL.

Asbury, M. E. (2007, November). From “we” to “me:” Identification and sport commitment in collegiate athletes. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Chicago, IL.

Russo, T. C., Beck, S. J., Asbury, M. E., Carver, C. L., & Faimon, S. (2007, November). Organizational attachment: A multi-disciplinary comparison of operationalizations. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, Chicago, IL.

Levine, K. J., Kushniryk, A., Allard, S., Tenipor, C., & Asbury, M. E. (2006, November). What happens when work-groups meet? An analysis of meetings in high-tech organizations. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, San Antonio, TX.
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Levine, K. J., Asbury, M. E., Tollison, A. C., & Brooks, A. M. (2006, November). Hold on; I thought I was in charge: Satisfaction, Motivation, Information Sharing and Leader Change in Small Groups. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association, San Antonio, TX.

Levine, K. J., Brooks, A. M., Tollison, A. C., & Asbury, M. E. (2006, April). Mechanisms of motivation: The elements of LMX and trust at work. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Communication Association, Philadelphia, PA.

Asbury, M. E. (2006, April). Hate speech on the college campus: A review of the literature. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Dallas, TX.

Asbury, M. E., Brooks, A. M., & Tollison, A. C. (2006, April). Smiling smooth talkers: Charismatic leadership, politeness, and motivation. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Dallas, TX.

Asbury, M. E. (2005, September). Hate speech on the college campus: A review of the literature. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Tennessee Communication Association, Gallatin, TN.

Asbury, M. E., Haas, J. W., Waltman, M. S., & Davis, M. J. (2005, April). Perspectives: Internet video conference and the college classroom. Panel presentation at the annual meeting of the Southern States Communication Association, Baton Rouge, LA.

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Awards

2019                Recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award, Middle Tennessee State University

2018                Featured paper panel, Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender

2017                Top 3 Paper, Interpersonal Communication Division, Southern States Communication Association  ...

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2019                Recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Award, Middle Tennessee State University

2018                Featured paper panel, Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender

2017                Top 3 Paper, Interpersonal Communication Division, Southern States Communication Association  

2016                Named as an instructor who “made a lasting impact” on University Honors student in her final senior survey, Middle Tennessee State University, Summer 2016  

2013-2019       Named a person “who makes a real difference” and someone who is “committed to the development of students” by students in their final senior university survey, Middle Tennessee State University. Received this designation the following semesters: Fall 2013, Spring 2013, Summer 2013, Summer, 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring, 2016, Summer 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Fall 2019 

2016                Recipient of the 2016 Civic Advocacy Award from the MTSU LGBT+ College Conference, “All Identities.” Award was voted on by the 2016 Conference Corporate Advisory Board  

2015                Recipient of the Outstanding Advisor Award from the College of Liberal Arts at Middle Tennessee State University  

2015                Recipient of the Dwight L. Freshley Outstanding New Teacher Award from the Southern States Communication Association. The award “honors SSCA members who have demonstrated teaching excellence early in their careers.”  

2013                Recipient of the Bob Womack Award for the “faculty member who has made a significant contribution to the classroom” from the Student Government Association, Middle Tennessee State University

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Research / Scholarly Activity

My research interests primarily focus on the examination of communication in health and interpersonal contexts. Specifically, I focus on weight/obesity stigma in interpersonal (e.g., dating and family), religious, and health interactions. To study these phenomena, I use mixed methods, incorporating survey methods, content analysis, and qualitative interviewing.

In the Media

Diversity Goes to Work Podcast: Fat is Just Fine: Size Diversity Part 3

Courses

Family Communication (EXL)

Fundamentals of Communication

Health Communication (EXL)

Health Communication Campaigns (EXL)

Interpersonal Communication (EXL and MT Engage)

Interview Communication (EXL and MT Engage)

Introduction to Organizational Communication (EXL)

Introduction to Human Communication (EXL and MT Engage)

Internships in Organizational Communication (EXL)

Non-Profit Organizations ...

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Family Communication (EXL)

Fundamentals of Communication

Health Communication (EXL)

Health Communication Campaigns (EXL)

Interpersonal Communication (EXL and MT Engage)

Interview Communication (EXL and MT Engage)

Introduction to Organizational Communication (EXL)

Introduction to Human Communication (EXL and MT Engage)

Internships in Organizational Communication (EXL)

Non-Profit Organizations (EXL)

Organizational Communication Analysis (EXL and MT Engage)

Nonverbal Communication (EXL and MT Engage)

Quantitative Research Methods in Communication (EXL and MT Engage)

Strategic Communication in Organizations (EXL)

Small Group Communication (EXL)

*EXL designation indicates that the class has an experiential learning components*

*MT Engage designation indicates that the class uses High Impact Pedagogies (HIPs) and beyond-the-classroom experiences*

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